While China’s National Energy Administration recently revised its fuel-switching agenda, Michal Meidan points out that this policy alteration is not a sign that the government’s commitment to shale is wavering. Instead, the adoption of a more realistic target provides more stability for the industry and bolsters the future of natural gas in China.

Whenever U.S. and Chinese government officials meet to discuss opportunities for cooperation on energy and climate change, those discussions often boil down to questions about timing, at least from the U.S. perspective.

As climate change and air pollution levels continue to make news, Walker Rowe examines the air pollution debate from an historical context – laying out how the United States has progressed since the Industrial Revolution and the steps China can take to lower its air pollution levels while meeting international standards.

If China and the United States are able to further their negotiations on climate change, it will further inspire global efforts to reduce pollution and clean up the environment, writes Zhao Xingshu.

According to new evidence, there is a devastating trade-off between coal-fueled economic growth and human life expectancy. Any progress in the U.S.-Chinese climate change talks could pave way for a truly global solution, writes Dan Steinbock.

The competition between the US and China for energy resources is growing. China, the world’s largest energy user, is trying to play catch up on decades of research and development, stronger infrastructural development and the advanced data of the US to ensure it has the energy resources necessary to fuel a growing economy.

Meeting with Mozambican President Armando Guebuza in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping continues to cement China’s economic and trade relations with emerging economies in Africa. As China’s investment in the continent continues to increase, Professor Robert Rotberg examines how natural gas deposits in Mozambique will shape China’s future in the region.

Greenland believes its ticket to prosperity is the wealth of minerals and rare earths below its slopes. Jonas Parello-Plesner discusses the potential for China’s investment to turn Greenland into a successful resource economy.

Awaiting confirmation to head the Energy Department, Ernest J. Moniz must balance the desire to develop and extract new sources of energy with the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions and minimize environmental damage. Elizabeth Muller explains the new energy secretary will have the duty of guiding emerging economies like China through the crucial switch from coal to natural gas.

These days China is in the center of any conversation about sustainable development and environmental degradation, writes Tom Watkins. The country has much work to do in order to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.