Despite Clashes, U.S. And China Vow To Work Together On Climate Change

"Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John F. Kerry just traveled to Shanghai to push for more ambitious action ahead of upcoming summits"

"The United States and China vowed late Saturday to work together in coming months to combat climate change “with the seriousness and urgency that it demands,” a move that signaled a rare collaboration even as they clash over trade frictions, China’s harsh treatment of Uyghurs and a crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.

The announcement came after President Biden’s international climate envoy, former secretary of state John F. Kerry, traveled to China this week to meet with his counterparts ahead of a White House climate summit Thursday and Friday. The virtual event will involve dozens of world leaders and is aimed at catalyzing more ambitious action.

Ahead of that gathering, the Biden administration has said it will unveil a more aggressive plan to cut U.S. emissions — probably around 50 percent by the end of the decade, compared with 2005 levels. That would basically double the goal first put forth by President Barack Obama as part of the 2015 Paris climate agreement."

Brady Dennis and Steven Mufson report for the Washington Post April 17, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"US, China Say They Are 'Committed' To Cooperating On Climate Change" (The Hill)

"US, China Agree To Cooperate On Climate Crisis With Urgency" (AP)

Source: Washington Post, 04/19/2021