The electrochemical reduction of CO
2
proceeds in aqueous electrolytes with large overpotential, since the first step of the CO
2
reduction, i.e., CO
2
−
anion radical formation, requires highly negative potential. The product distribution from the CO
2
reduction depends greatly on the electrode metal. Cu yields CH
4
, C
2
H
4
and alcohols; Au, Ag and Zn give CO as the main product; Pb, Hg, In, Sn, Cd and Tl form HCOO
−
; Ni, Fe and Pt do not reduce CO
2
whereas H
2
evolves from the electrolysis of H
2
O. The reason is rationalized in terms of the adsorption of CO
2
−
anion radical on the electrode metals. The CO
2
reduction at the single crystal electrodes of Cu and Pt metals is summarized, and the mechanism of the hydrocarbon formation at Cu electrode is discussed in detail. The rate of CO
2
reduction is enhanced by increased transport of CO
2
to the electrode; such as the solid polymer electrolytes, the gas diffusion electrodes, the electrolyses under high pressure or in nonaqueous electrolytes.