China, Mexico and other developing countries have taken the lead in the fight against climate change, the Globe International alliance of lawmakers said.

A study of energy and climate laws in 33 countries showed that 18 made progress in 2012 by enacting laws to cut their carbon footprints and promote energy efficiency, Globe said.

"The clean revolution we need is being carried forward by legislation," U.N. diplomat Christiana Figueres said in a Globe statement. "Domestic legislation is critical because it is the linchpin between action on the ground and the international agreement."

The alliance -- formed by lawmakers from 70 nations -- met in London to discuss ways for governments to contribute to international efforts against climate change.

Mexico took over as last year's "standout country" after it enacted a climate law aiming for a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020. Other emerging economies such as China, South Korea and India also made considerable progress with their own legislation in 2012, while countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Italy showed no significant change, according to the alliance.

"This is a game-changing development, driven by emerging economies," said John Gummer, president of the group and member of the United Kingdom's House of Lords (Alex Morales, Bloomberg, Jan. 13). -- IP