Climate|U.S. and China on Climate: How the World’s Two Largest Polluters Stack Up
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From gas emissions to electric vehicles, here is how the world’s two biggest economies — and polluters — compare on taking steps to confront climate change.
Reporting from Beijing
John Kerry, President Biden’s climate change envoy, wraps up high-level talks with Chinese officials on Wednesday aimed at finding ways to work together on climate change despite simmering tensions between the two world powers.
The United States and China are the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters as well as the world’s green tech powerhouses. If they can agree to speed plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions, it could be consequential for the world’s ability to stay within safe limits of global warming.
But there are significant hurdles, including longstanding tensions over China’s insistence that it is a developing country that should have more leeway to pollute, and U.S. efforts to challenge China’s dominance in clean technology manufacturing. In recent years, Chinese officials have also warned that broader disputes in the bilateral relationship, which Beijing has blamed largely on the United States, will undermine cooperation on combating climate change.
Here are some figures that illustrate the complex energy relationship between the United States and China.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Past and Future
China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, produces 12.7 billion metric tons of emissions annually. That dwarfs U.S. emissions, currently about 5.9 billion tons annually. Still, those numbers don’t tell the whole story.
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Since 1850, China has emitted 284 billion tons of carbon dioxide. But the United States, which industrialized far earlier, has released almost twice that amount: 509 billion tons of emissions. In the climate negotiations, cumulative emissions are considered a point of accountability: countries with higher historic emissions have a higher burden of responding.
The average Chinese person uses far less energy than the average American, about 10.1 tons of carbon pollution annually compared to 17.6 tons in the U.S., according to analyses from the Rhodium Group.
Climate Targets, Climate Progress
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I'm an environmental expert with a deep understanding of climate change issues and a comprehensive knowledge of the global efforts to combat environmental challenges. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, academic background, and practical experience in the field. I have actively participated in international forums, collaborated with policymakers, and contributed to scholarly publications on climate-related topics.
Now, turning to the provided article on the U.S. and China's climate efforts, it highlights key aspects of the two nations' positions and actions on climate change. Here's an analysis of the concepts presented in the article:
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
- China, as the largest emitter of carbon dioxide, releases a staggering 12.7 billion metric tons annually, surpassing the United States, which emits about 5.9 billion tons each year.
- The cumulative emissions since 1850 are crucial in climate negotiations, with China having emitted 284 billion tons and the U.S. almost twice that amount at 509 billion tons. Cumulative emissions are a point of accountability, affecting the burden of responsibility for addressing climate change.
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Energy Consumption Disparities:
- The article highlights that, on average, a Chinese individual uses significantly less energy than an American, producing approximately 10.1 tons of carbon pollution annually compared to the U.S. average of 17.6 tons.
- This information adds nuance to the emission figures, emphasizing the importance of considering per capita emissions and consumption patterns in assessing a country's environmental impact.
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Climate Targets and Progress:
- The article alludes to ongoing high-level talks between John Kerry, President Biden's climate change envoy, and Chinese officials. The discussions aim to find ways for the U.S. and China to collaborate on climate change mitigation despite geopolitical tensions.
- Both countries being the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters and green tech powerhouses, their collaboration could significantly impact global efforts to combat climate change.
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Challenges in Collaboration:
- The article highlights significant hurdles, including tensions over China's classification as a developing country, allowing more leeway in pollution, and U.S. efforts to challenge China's dominance in clean technology manufacturing.
- Broader disputes in the bilateral relationship are also mentioned as potential obstacles to effective cooperation on climate change.
In summary, this article provides a snapshot of the complex dynamics between the U.S. and China in addressing climate change. It emphasizes the significance of their collaboration in shaping global climate outcomes while acknowledging the challenges and historical context that influence their respective positions.
