China and US strike 'historic' greenhouse gas emissions deal
World's two largest polluters pledge to cap carbon emissions ahead of major climate talks next year
China, the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, has pledged for the first time to cap its carbon emissions as part of an "historic" deal with US President Barack Obama
The country's leader Xi Jinping has not set a specific target, but said emissions would be reduced by 2030 or earlier. He also set a goal to increase the proportion of non-fossil fuels to 20 per cent of China's energy mix over the next 15 years.
The US has committed to plans to cut its emissions to at least 26 per cent below 2005 levels by 2025, an increase from its previous target of 17 per cent by 2020.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"We have a special responsibility to lead the global effort against climate change," said Obama during a state visit to Beijing. "Today, I am proud we can announce a historic agreement."
But the goals will be "difficult" for the two countries, who together account for about 45 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, warns the Washington Post.
Obama faces stiff opposition on climate issues from Republicans, while the scale of the construction programme required for China to meet its goals is huge even by Chinese standards.
China must add 800 to 1,000 gigawatts of nuclear, wind, solar and other zero-emission generating capacity by 2030, says the Post, which is "more than all the coal-fired power plants that exist in China today and close to the total electricity generating capacity of the United States".
Martin Patience, BBC Beijing correspondent, notes that Xi has been under growing public pressure to clean up the country's "smog-ridden" cities. "What's debatable is whether the two countries can actually achieve their goals," he says. "But with this announcement both China and the US have brought fresh momentum to the climate change issue.
Commentators say the deal will put pressure on other countries to "follow their lead" and energise negotiations currently underway to set new post-2020 targets when climate negotiators meet in Paris for major global climate talks in December of next year.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
What are the main security threats facing the UK?
Today's Big Question State plots by Russia and Iran are joined by renewed efforts from Islamic State and al-Qaeda, and younger far-right extremists
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'New poll gives Harris an edge'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Threads: how apocalyptic pseudo-documentary shocked a nation
In the Spotlight The rarely shown nuclear annihilation film will reappear on TV screens this week
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
A brief history of third parties in the US
In Depth Though none of America's third parties have won a presidential election, they have nonetheless had a large impact on the country's politics
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Modern royal scandals from around the world
The Explainer From Spain to the UAE, royal families have often been besieged by negative events
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published