The study investigated the action being taken towards meeting the United Nations climate change goals in a range of different countries – and whether these goals are likely to be met. It considered policy approaches in place in each country and their likely effectiveness, as well as the role of business and other stakeholders in generating change.

Using these examples the research then investigated the role of different stakeholders – policy makers, business, citizens and other organisations - in achieving stabilisation of global greenhouse gas emissions. Can government, or indeed any other stakeholder, act alone to bring about stabilisation? or does there need to be integrated action across a range of stakeholders? Are these findings affected by the country's characteristics, in particular their level of economic development?

It is hoped that Energy-Policy-Climate will promote thinking and awareness to support the development of policy and practice which ensure local energy and economic security whilst also addressing the now urgent threats posed by global climate change.