Integration in the global economy creates risks as well as benefits.

The increasing demand on world energy resources is having economic and environmental impacts. The need to meet the challenges of both energy and climate security is urgent.

Lowering carbon contributes to improving climate and energy security for all. It will help reduce the threats caused populations - such as conflict over resources, extreme weather, crop-failure and poverty.

Sustainable low carbon energy supplies that are reliable and affordable underpin the building of high growth economy.

We can only achieve this through cooperation across governments, business and civil society.

Our unique, global network of diplomatic posts is using its influence to build new working relationships with key groups that have a role in making this change happen. Our staff and offices abroad are essential for their local knowledge, and their listening and engagement skills.

We are using the Strategic Programme Fund to work with other UK government departments to broaden and deepen evidence on the economic impacts of climate change regionally and nationally.

Through the Strategic Programme Fund, we are also funding:

• projects to help increase energy efficiency
• training programmes for statisticians to measure energy efficiency indicators more effectively
• pilot projects using energy-efficient methods to generate power.

We are supporting economic reforms in key emerging and developing economies to promote stable and sustainable growth.

We are also working through the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) to drive forward change.

More on the promoting a low carbon, high growth global economy goal
Find out about this work around the world using the FCO in Action interactive map