The international community is confronted with a major crisis caused by climate change. Asia's population density and relative poverty make its people particularly vulnerable to the potentially catastrophic greenhouse effects and related phenomena. This article reviews the position of developing countries in the climate change regime vis-à-vis Annex I countries and specifically analyses the issues and options in engaging Asian giants like China and India in the energy and climate debate. Global cooperation, between “North” and “South” as well as among countries of the South is required to create synergies between sustainable development and climate change management.
