Since China and the United States are the two biggest national emitters of carbon, the recently announced bilateral agreement is considered essential to concluding a new global accord, because unless Beijing and Washington can resolve their differences, few other countries will agree to mandatory cuts in emissions.

The consensus amongst the political elite in China since the 11th Five Year Programme issued in 2006 has been that climate change is a reality, and that its fiercest impact will fall on their country unless something is done.

Like the United States, India, and other nations, the guarantee and distribution of fresh water to meet the needs of population growth, industrial agriculture

Can China provide intellectual leadership on climate change and green infrastructure? While Chinese President Xi Jinping may be missing this year’s UN Climate Summit, Stewart Taggart explores the policy mechanisms available to the nation as this year’s host of APEC.

China and other large, carbon-emitting nations were absent at the UN Climate Summit in New York, signaling contravention with the global community’s call to develop cleaner energy sources to combat climate change. However, China is investing in alternative energy, and technology cooperation with the US may key.

Responding to a report by the Nikkei on China’s environmental pollution, Feng Zhaokui acknowledges China’s struggle with the environment and addresses how ecological and environmental issues are not just a problem for China, but a problem for the entire world.