America and China's Pact to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: a Summary

Since the beginning of life on Earth, environmental conditions on our planet have drastically changed. In the blink of an eye, while paying little attention to the environment, sea levels have risen, icebergs have melted, and the theory of global warming has been introduced. Much of this change, to our dismay, is due to the growth of greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, a series of initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been promised by the joint agreement between the United States and China in order to promote a better environmental condition. Nonetheless, the partnership may still face doubts from the rest of the world and obstacles from those who oppose this agreement, rendering the outlook of the project’s success unclear.

Summary of the U.S.-China Agreement to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A series of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is included in the agreement to cut down greenhouse gas emissions, thereby realizing the two countries’ objectives to improve environmental conditions. For the first time in history, the United States and China have made a commitment: the former pledges to emit 26 to 28 percent less carbon in 2025 than it did in 2005, and the latter promises that clean energy sources will account for 20 percent of its total energy production by 2030 (Landler, 2014). These promises made before the entire world decrease the possibility that the two countries may go back on their word and shirk their responsibilities. Furthermore, by announcing this project in front of the world, the United States and China also inspire a sense of pride in their citizens, since no other countries have made the issue of improving environmental conditions this prominent. This sense of pride will motivate their citizens to do something for the betterment of the environment. The initiatives include expanding funding for clean energy technology research, limiting the use of hydrofluorocarbons, a potent greenhouse gas, and sharing experiences and best practices for low-carbon economic growth (McDonnell & West, 2014). These plans announced through the media imply to readers that the work the two countries will be doing will be open for every normal person to see, thus allowing the people to press the governments to actually do their work if they fail to realize these promises. Although the series of initiatives may seem hard to accomplish, the government of China has already proved to the people that improving the environment is not as difficult as it seems. During President Obama’s visit to Beijing, for instance, the Chinese government closed factories and gave employees time off to reduce car traffic and emissions, and the “reduction of smog” and the “appearance of blue skies” were noted (Hoye & Yan, 2014). Although it was only a front the Chinese government put up for the arrival of President Obama, when the smog-filled skies reverted to being blue again, it at least gave hope to the people of the country that if they continue to work toward this goal, environmental conditions can be readily improved.

Skepticism and Challenges

Nonetheless, due to previous instances of the United States and China as the world’s top polluters shirking their responsibilities regarding environmental problems, the rest of the world still holds a skeptical view towards the two countries’ commitments to improve environmental health. The authors of an online article, Tim McDonnell and James West, describe that this is “the first time” such a policy has come from President Xi Jinping (McDonnell & West, 2014). The surprised tone in the quote shows how spectators are dubious as to whether or not they should trust the two countries, and indicates that this apprehension may be a roadblock preventing other countries from joining in on this project. Some also say it’s been “too easy” for both the United States and China to “hide behind one another” (Perciasepe, 2014). This reveals previous experiences of the United States and China shirking their responsibilities, which further add to the doubtful attitude of the onlookers. A senior official says, “The United States and China have often been seen as antagonists” (U.S., China Reach Historic Climate Accord, 2014), which shows the United States and China were both on the bad sides of each other, and hints that the partnership may be broken if they do not overcome the differences they had as competitors for global economic primacy.

Internal Opposition

In addition to skepticism from the rest of the world that is putting stress on the two countries, conflicts from within the countries are also adding to this strain. In an article, Mark Landler writes, “Mr. Obama could face opposition...from…[the] Congress” (Landler, 2014). This reveals that President Obama, as a Democrat in the United States government, is currently in an awkward position, having to face opposition from the Republican-controlled Congress, which may try to stop the initiatives. The Congress, presently made up of mostly Republican Senators, calls the agreement “[an] ideological war on coal” and “[an] unrealistic plan” (Diamond, 2014) that will put stress on the current United States’ economy. For example, if the United States closed factories and reduced car emissions like what China did when Obama visited, the economy would definitely be strained. Another article describes that President Obama’s climate initiatives are vigorously opposed by conservatives and industry groups (Neuhauser, 2014). Opponents state that the project will slow the economy, and therefore may also try to stop the initiatives. This causes readers to feel insecure about whether or not to trust either of the parties.

Solutions and Future Outlook

Despite the doubts from the rest of the world and the inner conflicts in both the United States and China causing the outlook for the project’s success to be unclear, solutions are still provided. In regards to the conflict between Congress and President Obama, the Obama administration announced through the media that President Obama can put the nation on this path to improve environmental conditions under existing executive authorities, without further congressional approval. Congress gave the president formidable powers to combat air pollution in the Clean Air Act (Editorial Board, 2014), so even though President Obama faces opposition from the current Republican-controlled Congress, he still has the power to make the climate change agreement with China. At last, clean energy technology has also been advancing; “...solar will be[...]cheaper than[...]conventional electric grid” (Neuhauser, 2014). In other words, clean energy technology will become cheaper and more readily accessible, and people will be persuaded to use clean energy technology, since not only is it cheaper, but also causes less damage to the environment. This assures the readers that changes are already being made in order for the project to be successful, and thus readers can trust that the two countries will abide by their promises to improve environmental conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the series of initiatives proposed by the joint agreement between the United States and China aims to construct a better environmental condition by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Although the partnership may be hindered by obstacles and doubts from the outside world, and due to these reasons, the outlook for the project’s success is still unclear, solutions are being made in hopes of increasing even one more percent chance of improving environmental health.

References

• Diamond, J. (2014). U.S.-China climate deal faces opposition at home. CNN. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com
• Editorial Board. (2014). The President’s Clean Air Act. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com
• Hoye, A., & Yan, H. (2014). Beijing issues first pollution ‘red alert’ as smog engulfs city. CNN. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com
• Landler, M. (2014). U.S. and China Reach Climate Accord After Months of Talks. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com
• McDonnell, T., & West, J. (2014). U.S. and China Reach Historic Climate Accord. Mother Jones. Retrieved from http://www.motherjones.com
• Neuhauser, A. (2014). Obama, China Announce Climate Change Agreement. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com
• Perciasepe, B. (2014). U.S. and China Pledge to Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Environmental Defense Fund. Retrieved from http://www.edf.org
• U.S., China Reach Historic Climate Accord. (2014). Mother Jones. Retrieved from http://www.motherjones.com