American Impact on Chinese Environmental Pollution
Under Xi and Obama’s administration, the United States and China have been working closely to combat the environmental problem in both countries. Each meeting between Xi and Obama increases the commitment of both countries and ensure they are on the path to lower carbon emission. With the strong manifesto, American is contributing to fight against the pollution in China and acting as partner to do the same thing.
President Barack Obama and President Xi Jingping made a historic U.S. and China Joint announcement regarding on Climate Change in November 2014. The announcement was made during Obama visiting Beijing. It was the very first time that both countries have come to agreement to address the climate change issues. The announcement is an important step to set up for the Paris Summit in 2015. Very shortly, President Xi visited Washington DC and reaffirmed with the agreement that was made in Beijing. Agreement was to ensure both countries mutually trying to make a difference to advocate for a greener, lower carbon emission and more sustainable society. China agrees to lower carbon dioxide emission per unit of GDP by 60% to 65% from the 2005 level by 2030 and increase the forest stock volume by around 4.5 billion cubic meters on the 2005 level by 2030. On the other hand, US agrees to reduce carbon dioxide emission from the power sector to 32% below 2005 level by 2030.
The agreement might seem hard to achieve and it is challenging, but it is not impossible. The agreement in 2014 was a great building block for future reference and a great guide to cut down pollution. Research in 2011 at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory predicted that China’s emission would peak in approximately 2030. It has shown that China has the capacity to meet the goal. Even though the agreement has been discussed for many times, the agreement is not legally binding treaty. It means that there is no punishment if either or both countries do not follow the agreement. The purpose of the agreement is to set up a good role model for other countries to follow. Simultaneously, the agreement will put pressures on both the developing and developed countries to both more eco friendly. Additionally, it not only acknowledges that climate change is real, but it also raises awareness for the general citizens.
Combating the environmental pollution is like a marathon. It is difficult for China to achieve all the goals to eliminate the pollution on its own. US, a significant partner of China, positively encouraging and cooperating with China to combat climate change. It is beneficial for both countries in a long run. China and US are just like marathon buddies and leaders fighting against pollution.
Works Cited
Office of the Press Secretary. "U.S.-China Joint Presidential Statement on Climate Change." The White House. The White House, 25 Sept. 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2016."The U.S. and China Agree to Cap Carbon Pollution. Are We Saved?" NRDC. N.p., 12 Nov. 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2016.
