Converging to a common pattern of energy use in developing and industrialized countries

The evolution of the energy intensity paths in the period 1971 to 1992 shows developing and industrialized countries converging to a common pattern of energy use. This trend becomes evident when using the Gross Domestic Product of each country expressed in purchasing power parity in constant US dollars. Developing countries have been reluctant to make commitments under the Kyoto Protocol as they oppose any measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that might constrain their economic development. However, the use of the energy intensity indicator can be an alternative measure preserving the economic development while reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the fulfillment of the Kyoto Protocol goals. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.