Breaking: China and the US announce plan to work together on cutting emissions

In a surprise press conference, the two superpowers promised to cooperate more and hoped for the success of Cop26.

From The Guardian:

China and the US announced a surprise plan to work together on cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the crucial next decade, in a strong boost to the Cop26 summit, as negotiators wrangled over a draft outcome.

The world’s two biggest emitters had been trading insults for the first week of the conference, but on Wednesday evening unveiled a joint declaration that would see the world’s two biggest economies cooperate closely on the emissions cuts scientists say are needed in the next 10 years to stay within 1.5C.

The remarkable turnaround came as a surprise to the UK hosts, and will send a strong signal to the 190-plus other countries at the talks. China and the US will work together on some key specific areas, such as cutting methane – a powerful greenhouse gas – and emissions from transport, energy and industry.

“Both sides recognise that there is a gap between the current effort and the Paris agreement goals, so we will jointly strengthen our Paris efforts and cooperation … to accelerate a green and low-carbon transition,”

said Xie Zhenhua, China’s head of delegation.

“Climate change is becoming an increasingly urgent challenge. We hope this joint declaration will help to achieve success at Cop26.”

President Xi Jinping did not mention the deal directly but said:

“All of us can embark on a path of green, low-carbon sustainable development ... Together, we can usher in a future of green development,”

US Special Climate envoy John Kerry said:

“The two largest economies in the world have agreed to work together on emissions in this decisive decade. This is a roadmap for our countries and future collaboration. China and the US have no shortage of differences. But cooperation is the only way to get this job done. This is about science, about physics.”

He told the conference:

“This declaration is a step that we can build on to close the gap [between the emissions cuts set out so far and those needed]. Every step matters. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

Kerry compared the cooperation with China with the agreements by the US to reduce nuclear weapon arsenals in the Cold War.

“You have to look beyond differences sometimes to find a way forward.”