China and India energy consumption causingconcern.

The Paris-based International Energy Agency (lEA) recently released a report warning that China and India's increasing demands for oil and gas will radically alter the environment and global energy market within a generation. The two countries are expected to more than double their energy use by

Threats to energy security and expectations of climate change--including a 57% growth in carbon dioxide emissions-have catalyzed talk of creating tighter industry and manufacturing legislation. IEA Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka warned that global governmental policy changes should be imminent, considering China is already expected to overtake the U.S. as leading carbon dioxide emitter by year's end. Further debate in the U.S. Congress is expected as the IEA continues to push for a quick, global implementation of stringent, energy efficiency legislation.

IEA officials worry, nonetheless, that faster economic growth in China and India may negate positive effects stemming from widespread regulatory action. They are encouraging worldwide investment in research and development focusing on alternative energy and green technology and infrastructure.