In an appearance following their meeting, the two leaders said they also discussed Afghanistan, where both countries have troops; the liberalization of international trade; and the fight against AIDS in Africa and deforestation in Latin America.
"It's important to make progress on the issues of climate change and energy," said Balkenende, whose country is particularly concerned about global warming since one fourth of its territory is below sea level.
Bush called the discussions candid.
"I assured him that the United States is concerned about the issue," said the US leader, who leaves for Europe in a few days to attend an EU-US summit where, according to the White House, global warming will be a topic.
The two regions differ sharply on how to go about reining in climate change.
Bush opposes the imposition of mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions on countries like the United States but not emerging giants such as China and India, saying they would put US companies at an unfair disadvantage.
"We've developed a strategy to encourage the advent of new technologies that will change our habits; at the same time allow us to empower our economy in a way that will help us be good stewards of the environment," Bush said without mentioning quotas.
Bush saluted the Dutch military engagement with NATO in Afghanistan, where more than 1,700 Dutch soldiers are deployed.
Sixteen Dutch soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, accidentally or in combat.
In November 2007, the Dutch government controversially decided to extend its military mission in Afghanistan through the end of 2010.
"It's necessary to work together," was all Balkenende said on the subject.
And while Bush has seven more months in office, Balkenende looked beyond the end of his presidency.
"I'm really looking forward with the new administration also to have good cooperation between the European Union and the United States," he said.
"I presume this will be (my) last time here in the White House when you're in office. I wish you all the best," he told his host.