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.

China Floats Carbon Tax Plan as a Means to Curb Emissions

The Chinese government is considering imposing a pro rata carbon tax on coal and fossil fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel, and natural gas, Finance Ministry official Su Ming has told the country’s state-run media.

Bloomberg’s Ambitious Plan to Improve Energy Efficiency in NY Buildings

New York Mayor Bloomberg harnessed the green power of Earth Day to unveil a plan that would require NYC buildings – responsible for 80% of the city’s emissions – to undergo regular energy audits and retrofits, as needed, in order to become more energy efficient.

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.”

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.

Newly Released House Energy and Climate Legislation Contains More Aggressive Measures than Obama Plan

Senior US Representatives Henry Waxman (D-Calif) and Ed Markey (D-Mass) released draft cap-and-trade legislation on Tuesday that would reshape US energy and climate policy through drastic cuts in emissions in the next 20 years and significant increases in renewables by 2025.

China Solar Subsidies Address Economic, not Environmental, Problems [Updated]

Last week’s news of a sizable and unprecedented subsidy for solar installations in China generated noteworthy commotion in the market, as Chinese solar companies’ share price soared as investors’ rush to snatch up solar stocks, followed by confusion over the terms of the subsidies, disenchantment at the likelihood of eligibility restrictions, and finally malaise as analysts concluded, having clarified the arcane wording of the measure and considered the time lag likely involved, that it was not the golden ticket for which they had hoped.

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.

Outsourcing Toxic Dumping, in the Name of the Environment?

Does the Obama administration have the will to face the prospect that a low cost approach might be inimical to a low carbon strategy, and ensure careful planning and responsible oversight? Or will US officials, keen on building a strong bilateral partnership, overlook the consequences of a business-as-usual scenario in China, permitting environmental degradation as the means to ambitious political ends?

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.

Stepping Up Efforts to Control E-Waste: China Passes Electronic Disposal Law

Legislation on the management of electronic waste, signed into effect this week by China’s cabinet, the State Council, is a key example of China’s continued commitment to making progress on environmental protection.

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.