N.Y. Times Hopes U.S., China Will Cooperate on GHG Emissions

In an editorial published today, the New York Times said President Obama's visit to China should lead to the foundation of an interim climate change agreement, but achieving one would "be impossible without enthusiastic participation by both countries".

The Times pointed out that Washington and Beijing "have dodged their own responsibilities by making unreasonable demands of each other. China has insisted that the United States reduce emissions by 40 percent over 10 years, which is politically and technologically unrealistic. Many U.S. lawmakers insist that China commit to binding emission caps now, but China -- which regards all caps with suspicion -- sees this as infringing on its freedom to manage its own economy."

Noting that both nations have declared concerns about GHGs and China's role as a producer of renewable technology, the Times wrote: "The prospects for collaboration on clean energy are promising. An American company will soon build a solar-powered electric utility in China, and China has agreed to help build a wind farm in Texas. But the most important single thing the two countries can do is join in moving a new climate agreement forward."