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The graph below shows the global demand for energy is changing. As countries develop, their energy needs grow. Many developed countries are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which helps promote economic and social wellbeing throughout the world.

Global shift in economic output

Developing countries face a huge energy challenge in the 21st Century: meeting the needs of billions of people who still lack access to basic, modern energy services while also participating in a global transition to clean, low-carbon energy systems.

The number of people living on less than $1.25 per day fell to 1.4 billion in 2005 from 1.8 billion in 1990.

In 2010, Japan's economy was worth $5.474 trillion. China's economy was closer to $5.8 trillion in the same year.

The map below shows the GDP per capita of each country.

Emissions from developing countries are growing rapidly and are contributing to environmental problems, such as climate change and poor air quality.

This puts the health and prosperity of people around the world, especially people in poorer countries, at risk.

Around 2.5 billion people use traditional biomass, such as firewood and charcoal for their cooking and heating needs.

Many developing countries are likely to rely predominantly on traditional biomass for several decades to come.