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 "shale gas revolution" of the US looks to be capable of offering many different opportunities for Washington. It will substantially lower the amount of oil that the US imports from the gulf. It may also enable the US to begin supplying cleaner LNG to China.

China faces numerous trials along its path to become a major power. It is crucial for China’s development to choose a proper path forward while celebrating the centennial of the People’s Republic of China.

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.

Severe weather forced China to transform its mode of growth by creating a sustainable economic and energy system conditions.

Following less than productive discussions at the Doha Climate Change Conference, recent reports have warned the Earth’s temperature continues to rise as climate change worsens. While many developed and developing nations continue to face environmental challenges, China has implemented climate change policies that could serve as a model for other nations.

To keep the country growing and provide the lifestyle benefits their citizens are asking for, China’s new leaders must shift the economy toward a new growth model and also get serious about cracking down on pollution.