Still, there is gradual improvement in the three countries in terms of energy efficiency, it says.

For example, a commercially viable energy-efficiency sector is now emerging in China after a decade of strong government support. Banks have launched programs for small energy-efficient projects in certain industries in India. In Brazil, an energy-efficiency fund derived from utility company revenues provides a platform for further improvement.

"China has a big program to move toward a resource-saving type of society," said Taylor. "And I find a lot to be optimistic about the nation."

China has launched a slew of measures to promote energy efficiency and reduce pollution in recent years, trying to ensure the sustainable growth of one of the world's largest energy consumers.

The country aims to cut energy intensity, or the amount of energy needed to make a unit of gross domestic product, by 20 percent between 2006 and 2010.

(China Daily February 29, 2008)