Promises and Pitfalls

This article originally featured in China Dialogue.

Forging a new partnership between the United States and China can help address climate change, but only if regulatory and market shortcomings can be overcome.

Shanghai to Pilot China’s First Municipal Emissions Exchange

Annual CO2 Emissions

Shanghai, often recognized for its free-market tendencies and environmental leadership, is introducing China’s first municipal trading mechanism as a means to curb pollution. Last Friday, in advance of a major carbon trade industry event taking place in Beijing this week, word began surfacing in the Chinese media that Shanghai plans to pilot an emissions trading scheme that will involve more than 300 companies’ trading “pollution discharge rights.”

Climate Change and Deforestation Engaging in Vicious Cycle of Destruction

Most of you know by now that deforestation, and the emissions that cleared forestlands add to the atmosphere, exacerbates climate change. But it may come as a surprise to learn that the opposite is true. New scientific findings suggest that climate change is threatening remaining forests more dramatically than previously suspected.

Talk of Carbon Tariff Flatly Rejected by China, Prompts ‘Protectionist’ Charges

One day after China’s top climate official, Li Gao, requested that his country’s export sector be exempt from greenhouse gas emissions reductions, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the possibility of levying a carbon tariff on countries that do not match US greenhouse gas emissions restrictions.

China’s Emissions Trading Plan Puts Weight on Countries’ Cumulative GHG

China appears to be backing out of global efforts to address climate change, intensifying pre-Copenhagen debate.

China Taking Uncooperative Stance on G20, Climate Treaty Terms

The G20 Global Summit, which will take place in the UK in April, stands to be an important factor in determining China’s stance on climate change commitments as Copenhagen draws near.

China’s “Green Economy”: A New Revolution in China?

A “green economy” can be built in China in less than 20 years, argues a new McKinsey report. The new study, “China’s Green Revolution,” offers the most comprehensive quantitative analysis to date of China’s abatement cost curve.

Clinton to Address Climate Change, Energy in China

We will soon find out how China will receive Clinton in her new position as Secretary of State, as she has just announced her first trip to Asia, with China scheduled to be a critical stopoff. What’s more, Clinton aides have identified energy and climate change as two issues that will be at the top of her agenda.

Climate Group Urges Chinese Cities to Promote Low Carbon Economy

A new Chinese language-only report urges local leaders to play a critical role in establishing and promoting low carbon strategies for economic development in China’s cities.