This paper outlines some of the major policy issues raised by the prospect of global warming. Scientific uncertainty create political disputes concerning risks and costs, about the trade-off between short-term welfare considerations and long term conditions. Furthermore, they involve key issues of global distribution between developing countries and developed countries. The scientific uncertainties and issues are outlined with a view to identifying the policy dilemmas involved in energy policy. The paper concludes by making a plea for a global outlook and prudent action
