I'll bet we can all help with the effort to force China to clean up, by refusing to buy their cheap products. Most of them are low quality, anyway. We should insist that our government take strong measures to encourage a manufacturing renaissance right here at home.
2
You know, I take offense calling President Obama and Xi Jinping both presidents. Xi Jinping is the "COMMUNIST LEADER" of China. Or is that not politically correct anymore. Why does the times do this? China is a Communist country. A repressive regime that is given to the complete thought control of it's people, hundreds of thousands of political prisoners lanquishing in horrible conditions, millions more under "house arrest" for speaking out against anything that makes the party look bad. Xi Jinping is a communist to the core, and to put him in the same sentence with the President of United States without making the distinction between the two is really reprehensible and just another reason why people are getting sick and tired of this rabid political correctness. Really unbelievable!
2
Although many people would rather we not be involved in issues far
from our shores, China's conduct is too aggressive to ignore.
The Philippines, which asked us to leave 'Subic Bay' a quarter century ago, is thinking of asking us to return there to protect it from
China's conduct in the South China Sea, That region could become the Balkans of the 21st century unless China reverses its policy.
Already, the Vietnamese defense leadership has visited. The world
doesn't need a country in the center of Asia with a foreign policy
reminiscent of Germany under the Kaiser. To comment, reply or recommend please log in or create an account.
Log in
from our shores, China's conduct is too aggressive to ignore.
The Philippines, which asked us to leave 'Subic Bay' a quarter century ago, is thinking of asking us to return there to protect it from
China's conduct in the South China Sea, That region could become the Balkans of the 21st century unless China reverses its policy.
Already, the Vietnamese defense leadership has visited. The world
doesn't need a country in the center of Asia with a foreign policy
reminiscent of Germany under the Kaiser. To comment, reply or recommend please log in or create an account.
Log in
1
Cap-and-trade was *not* conceptualized by American economists, as the Times has reported, but by Canadian economist J.H. Dales.
Oh dear, is this part of the deal that President Obama came to with the Chinese government regarding climate change and global warming. You remember, the agreement that the republicans said that the Chinese would NEVER LIVE UP TO.
3
"Joining forces on the issue even as they are bitterly divided on others..." is the important thought in this piece. There is zero chance of this happening. It is hope and change. Except that China will not commit to binding conditions. Around 80% of China's CO2 emissions are from coal based power plants, while 15% is from natural gas. China cannot develop the pipeline infrastructure nor the supply sources in any reasonable time. But this sounds right and good thing to put out in light of the pressure being put China in cyber warfare/hacking, China's aggressive territorial expansion in the South China Sea, espionage of state secrets, and overall military buildup. What exactly is a commitment.
1
Perhaps what slowed it down more than just the Chinese government, the mass exodus of manufacturing(outsourcing) to China and now sell back the US. So will this bring them back home? That's what ails our economy, not enough jobs.
When will our government begin a real "contract for America" and come to the reality that you can't create jobs without actually using government to put in the policies to keep and create jobs as Germany has and does at the same time they're cutting emissions. And I might add cutting taxes and regulations aren't hacking the program for stopping the outsourcing and never will.
When will our government begin a real "contract for America" and come to the reality that you can't create jobs without actually using government to put in the policies to keep and create jobs as Germany has and does at the same time they're cutting emissions. And I might add cutting taxes and regulations aren't hacking the program for stopping the outsourcing and never will.
1
China can do cap and trade on carbon, but we cannot?
The United States needs to stop being slaves to oil and coal.
There is no reason not to put solar panels on every household.
The United States needs to stop being slaves to oil and coal.
There is no reason not to put solar panels on every household.
2
Put your money where your mouth is: China is spending more money on green
energy than the US and Europe combined. US is spending more money on the military than the next 10 leading military spending countries combined, and it is
more than 4 times what China is spending on its "expanding" military, as the US
media like to remind us. It is clear where the priority is for each country.
energy than the US and Europe combined. US is spending more money on the military than the next 10 leading military spending countries combined, and it is
more than 4 times what China is spending on its "expanding" military, as the US
media like to remind us. It is clear where the priority is for each country.
1
After Houston's economy seized in the early 80s amid the oil embargo, the city diversified and the grid for the largest global energy market began to be lain (http://www.energycities.org/0/3918770/0/94235D94240D94357D94407/).
With fracking technology (http://www.forbes.com/sites/judeclemente/2015/05/17/the-importance-of-te... and natural gas Texas sits atop the nation and behind Russia globally. The Port of Houston ranks first in the United States in international waterborne tonnage handled and second in total cargo tonnage handled. It is the tenth largest port in the world. (http://www.forbes.com/sites/jpmorganchase/2015/07/09/improving-houstons-....
Believe it or not, Houston/Texas could play a positive role in promoting Mr. Obama's landmark commitment.
With fracking technology (http://www.forbes.com/sites/judeclemente/2015/05/17/the-importance-of-te... and natural gas Texas sits atop the nation and behind Russia globally. The Port of Houston ranks first in the United States in international waterborne tonnage handled and second in total cargo tonnage handled. It is the tenth largest port in the world. (http://www.forbes.com/sites/jpmorganchase/2015/07/09/improving-houstons-....
Believe it or not, Houston/Texas could play a positive role in promoting Mr. Obama's landmark commitment.
Thanks to China for bringing down the cost of solar panels.Seeing a lot of them going up on houses,here in So California and Hawaii.The citizens of China,wearing masks,isn't a good image for China's leaders,so they will have to make changes.Lots of interest in electric cars.That would help here and in China.So,I see cleaner air in China's future and we should benefit from whatever they do.
1
The Chinese are great at diverting the attention away from their other causes for alarm. After the Iran deal showed the level of capitulation that this administration is capable of, the world's best deal makers have nothing to lose by putting something the president wants on the table. The Iranian, the Chinese, and the North Koreans are the world's worst cheaters. Who would have believed that even Volkswagen would cheat on environmental matters. Trust but verify and don't take your eye off of the other issues.
1
On all the issues being discussed boil down a matter establishing trust, commitment and follow-through.
For it was the Dalai Lama who said:
"A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity."
For it was the Dalai Lama who said:
"A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity."
4
"Cap-and-Trade"...now where, do you suppose, the Chinese came up with that idea?
Bad timing President Xi Jinping...
The conservative/Republican majority controlling both houses of the US Congress are "corporate profit protectors par excellence." They are and will be vehemently opposed to any and all initiatives that may have the potential, are rumored, or even hinted, at negatively impacting American corporate profits. They will be doubly opposed as long as there's a Democrat in the White House, any Democrat.
Sadly, the chances of the 114th (or the 115th & probably the 116th as well) US Congresses supporting that to which the majority are ideologically opposed lies somewhere between, none-at-all and a snowball's-chance-in-Hades.
Bad timing President Xi Jinping...
The conservative/Republican majority controlling both houses of the US Congress are "corporate profit protectors par excellence." They are and will be vehemently opposed to any and all initiatives that may have the potential, are rumored, or even hinted, at negatively impacting American corporate profits. They will be doubly opposed as long as there's a Democrat in the White House, any Democrat.
Sadly, the chances of the 114th (or the 115th & probably the 116th as well) US Congresses supporting that to which the majority are ideologically opposed lies somewhere between, none-at-all and a snowball's-chance-in-Hades.
1
Definitely a historical step in the right direction!
2
Man-made climate change deniers are starting the same death dance they have done for other positions when the credibility of denial begins to erode. They will deny, deny and deny until nothing remains to deny. Then they will go through the other four stages of grieving - anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
First, they denied the climate was changing - and a few extremists still do. Second, they denied man was the cause - a minority is still holding on despite 97% of scientists testifying otherwise. Third, they claimed that the U.S. would hurt itself if it took action because other polluters wouldn't. China's latest commitment is the death knell of that stage of denial. Now, they will turn to claiming that cap and trade isn't effective - as we are already seeing in some comments.
But, evidence will give lie to that just like their claims that climate changed because the earth wobbled (40,000 years ago!); or Ted Cruz's favorite that it was no warmer in 2012 (an unusually cool year) than it was in 1998 (an unusually hot year due to a strong El Nino); or the latest denial by carefully picking other years that the latest 15 years have been no warmer than the 20 years before that (sounds better but isn't true either).
So, deniers, how helping to save the world population and saving yourselves from anger, the frustration of bargaining that isn't going to work and the following depression? Please cut to the chase - acceptance - and propose some real solutions
First, they denied the climate was changing - and a few extremists still do. Second, they denied man was the cause - a minority is still holding on despite 97% of scientists testifying otherwise. Third, they claimed that the U.S. would hurt itself if it took action because other polluters wouldn't. China's latest commitment is the death knell of that stage of denial. Now, they will turn to claiming that cap and trade isn't effective - as we are already seeing in some comments.
But, evidence will give lie to that just like their claims that climate changed because the earth wobbled (40,000 years ago!); or Ted Cruz's favorite that it was no warmer in 2012 (an unusually cool year) than it was in 1998 (an unusually hot year due to a strong El Nino); or the latest denial by carefully picking other years that the latest 15 years have been no warmer than the 20 years before that (sounds better but isn't true either).
So, deniers, how helping to save the world population and saving yourselves from anger, the frustration of bargaining that isn't going to work and the following depression? Please cut to the chase - acceptance - and propose some real solutions
2
The Chinese are shrewd. They have not come to agree with the climate change and cap-and-trade because US and the west advocate it, but because their country will benefit from it as well. It'll create a vibrant market for the emission trading, it'll give a good progressive vibe for the Beijing propaganda, the reduction in coal use will dramatically improve its air quality (that its citizens have loudly demanded). What's not to love?
And they did not agree to it rashly, as noted that they've been studying the cap-and-trade system in pilot programs for a few years already.
The only thing that Beijing will really have to work hard on, is to deliver affordable energy alternative to its still very big manufacturing sector but which Beijing has tried to steer its economy away from the dependence of it. China has been buying shoring up its purchase of cheap crude oil, it's probably banking on the fact that the additional supply of fracking in US (that can ramp up oil supply in a hurry) will hold down prices for a prolonged period. With Russia now pivoting to China after the crisis in Ukraine, Xi has yet another ready and willing partner to supply all the oil and gas it wants in the coming years, it'll make life much easier.
All in all, this would be a net win for Xi and China, and quite a coup for Obama that has had China's about-face in climate change. Add to that, is Pope Francis' advocating of climate change as well. Tea Party must be fuming.
And they did not agree to it rashly, as noted that they've been studying the cap-and-trade system in pilot programs for a few years already.
The only thing that Beijing will really have to work hard on, is to deliver affordable energy alternative to its still very big manufacturing sector but which Beijing has tried to steer its economy away from the dependence of it. China has been buying shoring up its purchase of cheap crude oil, it's probably banking on the fact that the additional supply of fracking in US (that can ramp up oil supply in a hurry) will hold down prices for a prolonged period. With Russia now pivoting to China after the crisis in Ukraine, Xi has yet another ready and willing partner to supply all the oil and gas it wants in the coming years, it'll make life much easier.
All in all, this would be a net win for Xi and China, and quite a coup for Obama that has had China's about-face in climate change. Add to that, is Pope Francis' advocating of climate change as well. Tea Party must be fuming.
7
I have a problem with "Cap and Trade". Sure, it is better than doing nothing, perhaps maybe a first step toward reducing pollution. Unfortunately, however, it does nothing to actually eliminate the problem.
I see it as just creating a newer problem--somewhat of a "pay to play"--enabling polluters to buy their Indulgences" (a la the Catholic Church before the Protestant Revolution). The question is, will pollution involving a cost of doing business, really cause the large polluters to reduce the emissions that are harming the environment?
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
I see it as just creating a newer problem--somewhat of a "pay to play"--enabling polluters to buy their Indulgences" (a la the Catholic Church before the Protestant Revolution). The question is, will pollution involving a cost of doing business, really cause the large polluters to reduce the emissions that are harming the environment?
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
4
So, we should presume that in a few years the Chinese government will begin announcing vast reductions in pollution levels. And, who will possibly believe those numbers given the Chinese government's continuing predilection for lies and misrepresentation? It's all empty words.
4
Regardless of trust and implementation details, the whole world is on the same page about the reality and severity of climate change…except the American Republican Party, whose Presidential campaign frontrunner mocks it as “a tornado, a little cold, a wind.” None of the Republicans, except Kasich, who actually admits it exists but opposes meaningful mitigation, will admit it’s a major issue. The entire Republican Party is owned, lock, stock and barrel by two oil billionaires who have been among the biggest promoters and funders of the global warming denial movement. Via their manipulation of public opinion, those two have caused untold damage to the future of the planet and yet they sit on the boards of major museums and arts foundations.
When will the elites on those boards stand up, throw them out and refuse their blood money? Disgusting.
When will the elites on those boards stand up, throw them out and refuse their blood money? Disgusting.
It is good to see if the huge top-down government pros of communism can make this scheme work. It definitely belongs in an admittedly socialist nation rather than any nation that has been the home of ther individual left alone to create goods and then keep the fruit of their labors.
Plus, this takes attention away from the economic crisis driving Red China toward some eventual judgment day.
Plus, this takes attention away from the economic crisis driving Red China toward some eventual judgment day.
2
Although there has been so much phony pretense and token efforts made by various countries, the truth is that something has to be done, and urgently. The effects of pollution are being felt around the world - with some being absolutely dangerous to an emerging generation right now, not in a mystic future. This world problem must not be used as a political football, we ALL must pull our fingers out and commence the big clean-up.
1
I am appalled that Xi Jinping is on American soil, let alone treated like a great dignitary. The corresponding NY Times story of him; "from schoolboy to survival" speaks volumes.
Mao's "Cultural Revolution" (and what a lying & crass title that is, rather like the "Patriot Act") began well before the stated mid-1960's. Mao and the Red Guard invaded Tibet at gunpoint in 1958/9, killed a massive amount of the non-violent population, and would have killed the Dali Lama as well, had he not escaped to India. Mao then stole the Country of Tibet, denying it's citizens their religion, language and culture. THAT is Mao's "Cultural Revolution".
Xi Jinping bought into Mao's thinking. Even though his father was a privilidged official of the previous regeim, thrown out and ridiculed by the mass violence of robotic, obedient, buy-the-party-line thugs, Jinping took the cheap shot & the "short path" to power. He just played the Party's game.
Cap and Trade "limits" on air pollution are nothing more than a shell game. Like all else of China's COMMUNIST Party, its all smiles up front, and a bayonette behind it. The day that Beijing REALLY wants clean air will be the day they allow freedom of speech from their citizens. No way.
It was the saddest day for America when Bush 2 allowed China to buy our obscene National Debt from his phony, Halliburton fueled War in Iraq. When China cleans up it's air pollution, pigs will fly, rather than floating, bloated and dead, down their rivers.
Mao's "Cultural Revolution" (and what a lying & crass title that is, rather like the "Patriot Act") began well before the stated mid-1960's. Mao and the Red Guard invaded Tibet at gunpoint in 1958/9, killed a massive amount of the non-violent population, and would have killed the Dali Lama as well, had he not escaped to India. Mao then stole the Country of Tibet, denying it's citizens their religion, language and culture. THAT is Mao's "Cultural Revolution".
Xi Jinping bought into Mao's thinking. Even though his father was a privilidged official of the previous regeim, thrown out and ridiculed by the mass violence of robotic, obedient, buy-the-party-line thugs, Jinping took the cheap shot & the "short path" to power. He just played the Party's game.
Cap and Trade "limits" on air pollution are nothing more than a shell game. Like all else of China's COMMUNIST Party, its all smiles up front, and a bayonette behind it. The day that Beijing REALLY wants clean air will be the day they allow freedom of speech from their citizens. No way.
It was the saddest day for America when Bush 2 allowed China to buy our obscene National Debt from his phony, Halliburton fueled War in Iraq. When China cleans up it's air pollution, pigs will fly, rather than floating, bloated and dead, down their rivers.
3
Americans are so naïve to believe this move by China to be a sincere step toward limiting emissions and carbon output.
They have bolstered Obama's environmental stand and put pressure against his opponents. It is a strategic move to goad the Americans into further limiting our emissions and carbon output to reduce our economic competiveness.
They have bolstered Obama's environmental stand and put pressure against his opponents. It is a strategic move to goad the Americans into further limiting our emissions and carbon output to reduce our economic competiveness.
2
Believing any of this will tell you we are just plain stupid, something the Chinese can always count on. Cap and Trade is a ruse, making you think change is happening. In a closed economic system like China more so. Will Obama fall for all this? Of course, his stupidness knows no bounds. If you think the Iranians are good 'traders', you have not seen anything yet. Remember the Chinese invented trade. Wise up America, we are being fooled again. I am sure the Donald, 'The Deal', would agree.
2
Let's see if they can keep the promise.
and what happened to these issues?
1. Stop stealing military and industry confidential via internet.
2. Stop Invasion on Paracel is. and other islands at South and East China Sea.
3. Stop control of Yuan foreign exchange.
4. Stop abuse of human rights at Tibet and other states.
and what happened to these issues?
1. Stop stealing military and industry confidential via internet.
2. Stop Invasion on Paracel is. and other islands at South and East China Sea.
3. Stop control of Yuan foreign exchange.
4. Stop abuse of human rights at Tibet and other states.
3
it remains to be seen if this announcement by China is for show or for action. While it's an open admission by the world's greatest polluter, I want to see concrete plans and goals, as well as a timetable for same. Their country is so huge that effecting change will be tough.
But even if this is a flash in the pan, it does undercut some of the strong opposition shown by GOP leaders beholden to the Koch brothers--who have made no secret that their key agenda item is funding any candidate who promises to help thwart any attempt to tame climate change.
But even if this is a flash in the pan, it does undercut some of the strong opposition shown by GOP leaders beholden to the Koch brothers--who have made no secret that their key agenda item is funding any candidate who promises to help thwart any attempt to tame climate change.
1
"The world continues to have a growing demand for energy, particularly in Asia. Asian economic expansion will underpin coal demand – and that's not just China and India but also the fast developing countries of south-east Asia and traditional stable markets such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
The International Energy Agency estimates an additional 1 billion tonnes of coal will be used in 2019 compared with today and by 2040 global coal trade will grow by 40 per cent"
http://www.afr.com/news/special-reports/australia-energy-future/rising-s...
The International Energy Agency estimates an additional 1 billion tonnes of coal will be used in 2019 compared with today and by 2040 global coal trade will grow by 40 per cent"
http://www.afr.com/news/special-reports/australia-energy-future/rising-s...
1
It's nice that China wants to finally talk about carbon emissions and the global environment, but President Obama has more pressing issues to discuss with President Xi Jinping such as why are they building military bases in the middle of the China Sea and what are they doing to reign in North Korea.
China has become very rich by providing cheap products to US industries, but it appears that China is putting a high percentage of this money in building up it's military. Why? Do they feel threatened by the US, Japan, who then?
Global warming is a serious issues, but so is world peace and the non proliferation of nuclear weapons.
If China wants to warm up the relations with the US they can stop hacking our computer systems and do something about their buddy in North Korea.
China has become very rich by providing cheap products to US industries, but it appears that China is putting a high percentage of this money in building up it's military. Why? Do they feel threatened by the US, Japan, who then?
Global warming is a serious issues, but so is world peace and the non proliferation of nuclear weapons.
If China wants to warm up the relations with the US they can stop hacking our computer systems and do something about their buddy in North Korea.
3
The US has hundreds of military bases all over the world.
4
"...China is...building up it's military. Why?"
The floor of the highly disputed South China Sea is suspected of being a treasure house of gas and oil deposits...China, as a developing industrial nation expanding an already insatiable appetite for fossil fuels, wants those deposits under their control and for their use, military intimidation and infestation is the historically preferred method of taking over and controlling disputed territory.
The floor of the highly disputed South China Sea is suspected of being a treasure house of gas and oil deposits...China, as a developing industrial nation expanding an already insatiable appetite for fossil fuels, wants those deposits under their control and for their use, military intimidation and infestation is the historically preferred method of taking over and controlling disputed territory.
"World's Largest Polluter" or "World's Biggest Polluter" is a British BBC mantra reserved for one and only one nation, regardless of the stats. And it ain't China. You need to acclimate yourself (pun intended) with the geoeconomic - AIIB, BRICS, etc. - and geopolitical propaganda value of climate change.
2
When I am reminded of the delicate diplomatic nature of international relations (cyber attacks etc.) I wonder how so many of my fellow citizens can possibly envision Mr. Trump as president. In business owner fashion, he would walk into a meeting and lay out his demands expecting capitulation. What a disaster he would be in meetings like these with the Chinese leader! Repeatedly I have been grateful for Mr. Obama's quiet determination to step back from war backed bravado to a quieter diplomatic approach.
2
It's a positive headline, no doubt about that.
Here's a possibly naive question -- doesn't the Chinese government own the lion's share of the major polluting companies in China? If that is actually the case, will their government be trading the caps with itself?
If anybody knows the facts (actual numbers, not opinions) about this, I'd be interested in the reply. I realize that China is becoming capitalistic, but I thought that the government still controls most of the heavy industry and the utilities.
Here's a possibly naive question -- doesn't the Chinese government own the lion's share of the major polluting companies in China? If that is actually the case, will their government be trading the caps with itself?
If anybody knows the facts (actual numbers, not opinions) about this, I'd be interested in the reply. I realize that China is becoming capitalistic, but I thought that the government still controls most of the heavy industry and the utilities.
2
"Under a cap-and-trade system, a concept created by American economists, governments place a cap on the amount of carbon pollution that may be emitted annually. Companies can then BUY and SELL permits to pollute." Fine, but the article misses to mention that the permits are FIRST GIVEN TO BUSINESSES FOR FREE (or for peanuts). It also misses to mention that the most significant example of such a program to date, the European cap-and-trade program, has monumentally failed in reducing emissions while and simply subsidized less dirty businesses.
About time! China(and the US) , the two countries responsible for 40% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions need to take the lead and cut emissions by large amounts if they want other large emitters to agree to a deal.
2
This is a potentially very vulnerable moment for Mr. Xi. He faces very serious economic problems at home, but he also has to maintain his country's ambitions to become a dominant world leader at a time when China is showing that it does not have all the answers. Thus, Mr. Xi needs to find a way to show that the US respects China and treats China like an equal, and, at the same time, project to its sphere of influence that the US cannot deter China from its larger world ambitions. Climate change is a perfect issue for accomplishing this, but do not expect to see any major concessions from Mr. Xi regarding China's efforts to expand its influence in its sphere of influence in Asia and the Pacific.
Great news to see that China is getting on board as this issue is the most pressing of all!
1
Its great to see China place a price on carbon. A good start for China and the World for sure. But this is embarrassing for the United States...beaten to action on climate by not only Europe and Japan, but now China. Now that China is gone, what excuses do we have left for inaction? I'm sure republicans and skeptics will think of something...but again embarrassing to be beaten by a developing country.
1
" a cap-and-trade system, a concept created by American economists"
Cap-and-Trade is a scam. It is a scheme devised by capital traders to make profits out of the greenhouse emission permits. Goldman Sachs was one of the companies involved in its drafting (rings any bells?). There are a lot of loopholes in the scheme, that the industrialists can conveniently exploit to keep their emission levels constant, while the brokers make away with a lot of money.
Just look up online if you don't believe me.
Cap-and-Trade is a scam. It is a scheme devised by capital traders to make profits out of the greenhouse emission permits. Goldman Sachs was one of the companies involved in its drafting (rings any bells?). There are a lot of loopholes in the scheme, that the industrialists can conveniently exploit to keep their emission levels constant, while the brokers make away with a lot of money.
Just look up online if you don't believe me.
1
Let's hope so. We all have to begin where we can, buy in, and proceed accordingly and ambitiously.
California has done it, is meeting its clean air standards faster than projected, and its economy is doing well.
California has done it, is meeting its clean air standards faster than projected, and its economy is doing well.
This major announcement signals China is serious about climate change and is willing to take the necessary steps to improve their terrible pollution.
Will we as a nation start to take actions to limit the effects of climate change or will the plutocrats in the coal industry continue to successfully block all legislation attempting to limit the pollutants entering into the our atmosphere here in America?
Will we as a nation start to take actions to limit the effects of climate change or will the plutocrats in the coal industry continue to successfully block all legislation attempting to limit the pollutants entering into the our atmosphere here in America?
China is the world's largest polluter only because it has the most people, more than four times more than the U.S. Among major countries the U.S. is per capita by far the world's worst polluter. Obama has also proposed for the U.S. one of the least ambitious targets for pollution-reduction. Where's the TImes Editorial Board calling out morally repugnant behavior when it's right in front of its nose?
3
This is good news that China will be trying this mechanism to limit, and eventually reduce, CO2 Emissions. It is ironic that the cap-and-trade mechanism was first proposed by Republicans as an alternative to strict regulations for reducing acid rain. If Republicans joined the fight against global warming instead of head-in-the-sand foot-dragging, it would be interesting to see what innovative ways they could suggest to reduce CO2 emissions.
4
Great news for the world but bad news for the Republican-led Congress which used China's unmitigated emmissions as an excuse to do nothing about our own.
11
I predict this won't make it any more likely that Republicans would go for cap and trade for this country. If anything, they will see it as an opportunity to gain an advantage over the Chinese if they implement it and we don't. Or they'll find some other reason. Anything proposed by Obama will be opposed, using whatever reason they can come up with.
6
Blah blah blah, there is not enough natural resources for 8 to 10 billion human beings to exploit. There are just too many people and this effort although a nice gesture will not be enough. Plus can anyone trust an authoritarian dictatorship.
3
I noticed a lot of people criticizing the right for climate change denial and opposing climate change.
I just want to add that I listen to Science podcasts on itunes. One of the topics discussed was climate change and an expert (scientist) discussed Congressmen/women who opposed climate change. He said Congressmen denied climate change publicly on stage. But then behind closed doors or "just between you and me", that "I know you're right, I believe in climate change, but I have to go out and oppose it for my upcoming elections/constituents. You keep doing what you're doing in supporting the environment, I believe in you but I'm just denying it for campaign money."
So it's not that politicians on the right are denying climate change out of ignorance. There's overwhelming evidence it's real, even by corporations. And they know it. But they're held hostage by special interests and lobbyists.
It's not that the right is completely ignorant or stupid. I bet most know. But our political system, our system of governance, is completely hijacked and beholden to special interests, which we already know. It forces people to say what the donors want and makes them puppets, not leaders.
So I can't tell if I should feel reassured that the leaders on the right aren't as ignorant as I thought or in despair because despite privately supporting the environment, publicly sell themselves for re-election by denying the science. I'm not sure how to feel.
I just want to add that I listen to Science podcasts on itunes. One of the topics discussed was climate change and an expert (scientist) discussed Congressmen/women who opposed climate change. He said Congressmen denied climate change publicly on stage. But then behind closed doors or "just between you and me", that "I know you're right, I believe in climate change, but I have to go out and oppose it for my upcoming elections/constituents. You keep doing what you're doing in supporting the environment, I believe in you but I'm just denying it for campaign money."
So it's not that politicians on the right are denying climate change out of ignorance. There's overwhelming evidence it's real, even by corporations. And they know it. But they're held hostage by special interests and lobbyists.
It's not that the right is completely ignorant or stupid. I bet most know. But our political system, our system of governance, is completely hijacked and beholden to special interests, which we already know. It forces people to say what the donors want and makes them puppets, not leaders.
So I can't tell if I should feel reassured that the leaders on the right aren't as ignorant as I thought or in despair because despite privately supporting the environment, publicly sell themselves for re-election by denying the science. I'm not sure how to feel.
16
Dc... Something I hadn't thought about, speaking of corporations planning for climate change, is another corporate entity that is planning for a changing climate... our good friends in the insurance business. They see stronger, more frequent storms and they see more payouts. They also see new products that they can offer and more expensive insurance premiums. So, now along with expensive car insurance, expensive health insurance and already expensive homeowners' insurance, you'll probably be carrying some sort of climate change insurance that insures all your other insurances against rising costs endemic to the effects of climate change.
I have a suggestion on how you should feel - absolutely disgusted with the state of politics in the US. It doesn't even deserve the term politics - it's not - it's called bribery. What difference does it make if a politician agrees with you about climate change in a dark closet and then votes to ignore it in public?
Remember with China, talk is cheap and the results are always phony. When the air in Beijing is so thick that you can't see a block, the Chinese air monitoring system is reporting that "everything is fine." So it will be with Cap & Trade.
We should find another trading partner, the Chinese cannot be trusted and their long term goal is to replace the United States as the premiere world power.
We should find another trading partner, the Chinese cannot be trusted and their long term goal is to replace the United States as the premiere world power.
4
I'm embarrassed that China will be seen as leaders on this incredibly important issue and now the US will be followers. Thanks, "we can't do it, it's too hard" GOP. Whatever happened to American exceptionalism?
15
Oh, this is precious. China will create a market for CO2 permits and invite investment by other nations - just like Europe did. Only problem: it didn't cut CO2 emissions in Europe. All it did was produce capital market winners and losers. Insiders win; suckers lose every time. It's just another way to shear the sheep.
If governments want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the only way that works is to strip incentives for polluters, tax the hell out of them and incentivize green energy. Cap-and-trade is just a shell game for suckers.
If governments want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the only way that works is to strip incentives for polluters, tax the hell out of them and incentivize green energy. Cap-and-trade is just a shell game for suckers.
4
This is a pyrrhic victory. As proven in the E.U., and in other locales like L.A., it is easy to game emissions-trading protocols with overestimated baselines, data falsification, and fake "additionally" (meaning, the reductions weren't going to happen otherwise -- but often, they were!). Let's look for banksters like Goldman to reap big profits on any scheme introduced by China, but don't hold your breathe on actual reductions.
But there might be minor value to removing one major excuse by the GOP not to take action. Not that they will, of course. Their gauntlet of excuses appears to be endless.
But there might be minor value to removing one major excuse by the GOP not to take action. Not that they will, of course. Their gauntlet of excuses appears to be endless.
4
The US-China distrust and differences apart or doubts remaining about the Chinese seriousness on implementing the climate change plan involving the capping and trading of carbon emissions, the very fact of making public statement by the Chinese President Xi Jinping on China's commitment to the binding global climate change accord is enough to bring other polluting nations on board. Again, domestic factors like the rising levels of air and water pollution and fast degrading environment in China that constitute a big challenge to the Chinese development ambitions appear to be another pressing reasons for China to now accept the reality of the climate change and join global effort to that end. One should welcome the Chinese initiative on carbon reduction plan.
7
China currently generates twice as much CO2 as the US, and by 2030 will produce four times as much.
They need to focus on cleaning up soot, not harmless invisible CO2.
They need to focus on cleaning up soot, not harmless invisible CO2.
3
Wrong. They need to reduce both. CO2 is not harmless, although it's probably too late to stop its destruction, along with the overpopulation etc. plaguing the planet. See the following website on CO2 and major geologic extinctions: http://phys.org/news/2013-03-link-co2-mass-extinctions-species.html
Jane Taras Carlson
Jane Taras Carlson
1
Carbon dioxide is definitely not harmless. It forms a blanket over the Earth's lower atmosphere that prevents heat from escaping the Earth's surface. It is a primary cause of warming of not only the atmosphere but just as importantly the oceans.
3
Reducing soot emissions will go along with reducing fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions. In fact, since there is great public pressure to reduce noxious air pollution, soot emissions will probably decrease faster than CO2 emissions. Soot functions to heat up the atmosphere by absorbing incoming sunlight, as I understand it, and also increases melting of snow and ice when it falls out. CO2, on the other hand, absorbs infra-red radiation (heat) that would otherwise escape into space, so increasing CO2 heats up the atmosphere also.
1
Now that China is undergoing this environmental upgrade, watch for Republicans like Rubio to say something puerile like 'Well, India's still not doing such and such, why should we?'. How about American leadership on climate responsibility?
7
This is definitely a step in the right direction. I wish India was also involved, maybe they will come on board in the future. At the present time both China and India are building coal fired power plants at a alarming rate. We are shipping all the high sulfur coal that the EPA wont let the US coal fired power plants burn to China as fast as the train cars can get it to shipping terminals on the west coast so it will be interesting to see how this all plays out. The earth will survive and repair itself long after we've made it uninhabitable and unsustainable for us humans. We could be the ultimate losers if something is not changed. Yes without us here the animal world rebound.
1
Yes, great, completely avoiding the real issue.
The middle class has been demolished in the Western Democracies as a result of the combination of slave-labor level wages and underpriced currency, both used as tools in a de facto economic war by the Chinese on the West. It's not just our secrets they are hacking, it is our economies.
We are addicted to their products, including the computer you are reading this on, which you mistakenly think is made by HP or Apple, it is in fact made in China by China, Inc. Walk around Target and try to find a non-Chinese durable product. Just try.
As a result we are undergoing a historic shift of wealth from the West to the East, draining the Western economies and making all but Germany debtor nations.
So let's talk about carbon sequestration as a diversion, instead, and pretend we are making progress.
The middle class has been demolished in the Western Democracies as a result of the combination of slave-labor level wages and underpriced currency, both used as tools in a de facto economic war by the Chinese on the West. It's not just our secrets they are hacking, it is our economies.
We are addicted to their products, including the computer you are reading this on, which you mistakenly think is made by HP or Apple, it is in fact made in China by China, Inc. Walk around Target and try to find a non-Chinese durable product. Just try.
As a result we are undergoing a historic shift of wealth from the West to the East, draining the Western economies and making all but Germany debtor nations.
So let's talk about carbon sequestration as a diversion, instead, and pretend we are making progress.
8
As someone grew up in China, the GOP's denial of climate change reminds me very much of the communist party's depiction of the corrosive effects of western ideas like democracy and human rights. It is amazing.
26
They HAD to do this!
When China must shut down industry and traffic in order to hold the Olympics or a parade, it isn't a choice. They were slowly poisoning themselves. Good for them that they faced reality, which is more than can be said for so many of our politicians.
When China must shut down industry and traffic in order to hold the Olympics or a parade, it isn't a choice. They were slowly poisoning themselves. Good for them that they faced reality, which is more than can be said for so many of our politicians.
4
This news is more economic genius than virtuous benevolence.
China's adoption of Cap and Trade will really accelerate their solar industry which is nearly well refined and ready for exponential growth.
The decision to adopt Cap and Trade is just a smart economic business decision that will reignite the meandering Chinese economy.
They have a jump on the system not only with the solar industry, but also the three gorges dam project that will supply enormous amounts of hydroelectric power.
China's adoption of Cap and Trade will really accelerate their solar industry which is nearly well refined and ready for exponential growth.
The decision to adopt Cap and Trade is just a smart economic business decision that will reignite the meandering Chinese economy.
They have a jump on the system not only with the solar industry, but also the three gorges dam project that will supply enormous amounts of hydroelectric power.
4
Cap and trade. Tell that to the flooded cities, dying arctic wildlife, drought parched continents, threatened species... its the Volkswagen Diesel chip solution to China being the leader in polluting our planet.
The GOP sure had a big hole put in their "smoke screen" of denying climate change... that darned liberal Pope and then those Obama-lovin' Chinese.
Seriously, it was only a matter of time before the Chinese had to do something. Those images of Beijing that showed up during The Olympics was proof positive of that.
I must say, though, that National Association of Manufacturers surely anticipated this... a scare commercial about jobs just ran on TV. You know the story; if cleaning up the environment costs any money, it is going to cause us to take away 1.4 million jobs. Petulance doesn't end in elementary school. Maybe the NAM ought to be running these ads in Rome and Beijing, too.
Seriously, it was only a matter of time before the Chinese had to do something. Those images of Beijing that showed up during The Olympics was proof positive of that.
I must say, though, that National Association of Manufacturers surely anticipated this... a scare commercial about jobs just ran on TV. You know the story; if cleaning up the environment costs any money, it is going to cause us to take away 1.4 million jobs. Petulance doesn't end in elementary school. Maybe the NAM ought to be running these ads in Rome and Beijing, too.
4
Some economics seem in order for this issue:
1. China's own coal costs approximately USD2.00 per million British thermal units, which is how fuel costs for electricity generation are measured.
2. Natural gas via pipeline from Kazakhstan or China's own fields costs approximately USD7.00 per million BTUs.
3. LNG from Qatar and elsewhere costs approximately USD9-10/mmbtu.
Imports from Kazakhstan or LNG suppliers cost hard forex currency.
Coal is domestic and is bought using RMB.
China is not California.
How credible is the notion that China will increase its electricity generating costs by some multiples when it can save so much and just keep polluting?
1. China's own coal costs approximately USD2.00 per million British thermal units, which is how fuel costs for electricity generation are measured.
2. Natural gas via pipeline from Kazakhstan or China's own fields costs approximately USD7.00 per million BTUs.
3. LNG from Qatar and elsewhere costs approximately USD9-10/mmbtu.
Imports from Kazakhstan or LNG suppliers cost hard forex currency.
Coal is domestic and is bought using RMB.
China is not California.
How credible is the notion that China will increase its electricity generating costs by some multiples when it can save so much and just keep polluting?
3
China has more wind generation than the US, is building nuclear power plants (let's hope they have their nuclear waste disposal figured out) and is starting to get solar generation going.
The Chinese, unlike the Republicans in this country, know that burning fossil fuel causes global warming, and they have many important cities close to sea level, so they have incentive to stop global warming.
The Chinese, unlike the Republicans in this country, know that burning fossil fuel causes global warming, and they have many important cities close to sea level, so they have incentive to stop global warming.
1
Yeah, sure. I don't believe a word they say. Even so, it doesn't really matter. The planet is burning up, anyone not wrapped up in denial can see it, and the pitiful steps we are taking to deal with it are just cotton candy.
We are toast. Literally.
It will take major disasters worldwide to make the human race wake up to the self-imposed destruction of itself it is cementing with its uncontrolled population growth and lack of will to face the whole picture of what uncontrolled human "stewardship" of the planet is going to leave for our grandkids and their kids, who will suffer the consequences of our extreme negligence when we are safely dead.
We are toast. Literally.
It will take major disasters worldwide to make the human race wake up to the self-imposed destruction of itself it is cementing with its uncontrolled population growth and lack of will to face the whole picture of what uncontrolled human "stewardship" of the planet is going to leave for our grandkids and their kids, who will suffer the consequences of our extreme negligence when we are safely dead.
1
"China has been developing and carrying out smaller cap-and-trade programs for at least three years. In 2012, it started pilot programs in seven provinces, intended to serve as tests for a national program."
No wonder we are behind. We were kept in the dark until the shock blows us away.
No wonder we are behind. We were kept in the dark until the shock blows us away.
5
Apparently the Chinese haven't heard the news - it's all a hoax! They don't need to do a thing according to our GOP flunkies. Just keep spewing the worst poison into the atmosphere because at least 2% of the scientists - at least those on the GOP payroll - will explain that none of this is man-made or even the result of any human contribution that could be minimize or stopped. So pollute to your hearts delight China - in a few short months perhaps the GOPers will all join you in a grand party of depraved greed and greenhouse gases.
2
A Cap-and-Trade system is more than just an agreement on paper. It means that action has to be taken to curb carbon emissions. While the GOP is fighting hard to keep America from taking action by denying that a problem exists or debating whether or not Climate Change is man-made or just a natural phenomena we can do nothing about, the Chinese are going full blast developing technical options that we will end up buying. Already they can make solar panels cheaper than anybody else. I would be willing to bet that 20, no 10 years from now, the worlds leader in green energy will be China and we will be using their technology to solve our problems.
19
I don't think China had much of a choice. When it sees people in Beijing walking and bicycling with masques on their faces and a huge number of children with respiratory problems. I'm glad the tide is shifting in a positive direction. The Republicans who opposed so vehemently any acknowledgment of real science are now going to be called, the defunct party. What a futile and costly attempt to stop progress for the whole world!. I hope that the party of common sense regains the majority in both houses. Then and only then we'll see some real progress.
39
Where has cap-and-trade for carbon emissions really worked? I know that trading is limited in Europe. Can anyone point out an example where it works well?
A carbon tax is simpler and more predictable. You know that guy Occam--his razor was a really good idea.
A carbon tax is simpler and more predictable. You know that guy Occam--his razor was a really good idea.
2
Define "works well"?
Both California and the US northeast have cap-and-trade systems, and their emissions are lower and they are raising money that can be used for other public purposes.
Both California and the US northeast have cap-and-trade systems, and their emissions are lower and they are raising money that can be used for other public purposes.
4
United Nations Climate Change Conference, November 30 - December 11, 2015.
This is when we'll know if we've consigned ourselves to killing the planet or made a joint last ditch effort to save our home.
This is when we'll know if we've consigned ourselves to killing the planet or made a joint last ditch effort to save our home.
16
I was living in a small city in China which has its blue sky covered by haze half of a year, which still cannot compare with big cities like Beijing.
Although China has to compromise its environment for economic development - just like every industrializing country does - it has compromised too much. There is too much neglect and corruption in China's industries and government officials, which put people's welfare at peril. China needs to do something very urgently.
Since China and the US can work well in fighting against corruption together - while President Xi is also quite serious about rampant domestic government corruption - I am optimistic about the world's two biggest countries' cooperation in dealing with climate change.
Less suspicion and more cooperation would be better for everyone.
Although China has to compromise its environment for economic development - just like every industrializing country does - it has compromised too much. There is too much neglect and corruption in China's industries and government officials, which put people's welfare at peril. China needs to do something very urgently.
Since China and the US can work well in fighting against corruption together - while President Xi is also quite serious about rampant domestic government corruption - I am optimistic about the world's two biggest countries' cooperation in dealing with climate change.
Less suspicion and more cooperation would be better for everyone.
26
This is tremendous news. One of the primary arguments coming from the right is that our actions on climate change will be futile if the rest of the world does not participate. Well, China is the biggest part of the rest of the world.
The logic of cap and trade is becoming clearer. Those that can more easily produce low carbon energy can sell their output to others that cannot. The result is that net emissions are reduced at the least cost possible. The driver must be government regulations that set the limits of carbon emissions. It's a best of both worlds marriage of regulation and free market forces. This should work.
These new regulations will produce new technology that can be sold and exported all over the world. Remember how the auto makers had a fit when auto emissions were mandated? The result was a global push to develop clean running engines that spread all over the world.
China understands the threat that climate change presents to their nation. We do not. This time the President is not leading from behind. He is being dragged behind by the science deniers.
Coal is dying. Coal jobs will not come back. China will dominate the new global market for clean energy if we do not join in. We must aggressively move to reduce carbon or we will miss out on a tremendous global market and burn up the world at the same time. It's time to play follow the leader for real.
The logic of cap and trade is becoming clearer. Those that can more easily produce low carbon energy can sell their output to others that cannot. The result is that net emissions are reduced at the least cost possible. The driver must be government regulations that set the limits of carbon emissions. It's a best of both worlds marriage of regulation and free market forces. This should work.
These new regulations will produce new technology that can be sold and exported all over the world. Remember how the auto makers had a fit when auto emissions were mandated? The result was a global push to develop clean running engines that spread all over the world.
China understands the threat that climate change presents to their nation. We do not. This time the President is not leading from behind. He is being dragged behind by the science deniers.
Coal is dying. Coal jobs will not come back. China will dominate the new global market for clean energy if we do not join in. We must aggressively move to reduce carbon or we will miss out on a tremendous global market and burn up the world at the same time. It's time to play follow the leader for real.
25
As of this writing, emissions are priced at 8.01 euros per metric ton. That is a significant price for polluting that has risen since last year.
With pollution being a significant cost with Cap and Trade here, the incentive is great to replace fossil fuels with clean pollution free solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear, and tidal power sources. The beauty is the relative free cost of the energy source while only having to invest in the machinery to convert the free energy into usable electricity.
We are still in the beginnings of Cap and Trade and I believe that China is resourceful enough.........and polluted enough..........to see the large benefits of adopting a Cap and Trade system. It could be seen as a further growth of market for their pioneering solar industry. China is now capable of adopting the Cap and Trade system without too much sacrifice.
To all things, there is a season. Now is the time for the exponential growth of alternative forms of energy capture.
You must remember that the combustion of fossil fuels of any kind always produces Carbon Dioxide. This is unavoidable under any system anywhere and renewable energy capture is the only way to reduce carbon emissions. Cap and Trade is slower but will bridge us to the future of renewable clean energy.
With pollution being a significant cost with Cap and Trade here, the incentive is great to replace fossil fuels with clean pollution free solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear, and tidal power sources. The beauty is the relative free cost of the energy source while only having to invest in the machinery to convert the free energy into usable electricity.
We are still in the beginnings of Cap and Trade and I believe that China is resourceful enough.........and polluted enough..........to see the large benefits of adopting a Cap and Trade system. It could be seen as a further growth of market for their pioneering solar industry. China is now capable of adopting the Cap and Trade system without too much sacrifice.
To all things, there is a season. Now is the time for the exponential growth of alternative forms of energy capture.
You must remember that the combustion of fossil fuels of any kind always produces Carbon Dioxide. This is unavoidable under any system anywhere and renewable energy capture is the only way to reduce carbon emissions. Cap and Trade is slower but will bridge us to the future of renewable clean energy.
9
The ball is now officially in the US court. Unfortunately every GOP presidential candidate not only opposes cap and trade, they don't even recognize the science behind global warming. It will be interesting to see how they respond to this.
We are now in a frantic race to see if we can hold the temperature increases below three degrees centigrade. Even it we achieve that there will still be major climactic upheavals, particularly with ocean warming and higher coastal water levels.
The Chinese now realize that they have to face the costs of their economic miracle. Now they need and environmental miracle, but they know there will be none. But they recognize that in order to manage the direction of their economy over the next 40 years that they have too head off some of the damage that they have unleashed on themselves and the rest of the world. let's hope this move pushes this issue to the top of the agenda for the US. Time is indeed running out for all of us..
We are now in a frantic race to see if we can hold the temperature increases below three degrees centigrade. Even it we achieve that there will still be major climactic upheavals, particularly with ocean warming and higher coastal water levels.
The Chinese now realize that they have to face the costs of their economic miracle. Now they need and environmental miracle, but they know there will be none. But they recognize that in order to manage the direction of their economy over the next 40 years that they have too head off some of the damage that they have unleashed on themselves and the rest of the world. let's hope this move pushes this issue to the top of the agenda for the US. Time is indeed running out for all of us..
54
Lead from behind, eh?
5
We can be sure they will not cheat, or underreport their emissions. Because that is how they are. Ahem.
2
Emissions can be measured externally. We can rely on science and not faith.
3
What beautiful news to coincide with the visit by Pope Francis. As the pontiff said in his encyclical a few months ago, "there is no room for the globalization of indifference." Let's all have some hope that this will be the year we make progress, realizing the dream of the Kyoto Protocol.
32
Inevitably, we will evolve, as did our fore bearers, from hunter gathereres of fossil fuels to harvesters of renewable energy. The impact then was the beginning if civilization as we know it today. I suspect the evolutionary impact of becoming energy harvesters will be seen by historians as equally dramatic. For one thing, the boom and bust economy of fossil fuel hunting will give way to a more stableized macroeconomy based on consistent energy pricing from harvested renewable energy. Our progeny will thank us!
3
Bad week for the GOP. With the Pope speaking out for refugees, global warming and sharing the wealth, and China coming around on carbon emissions, what's left of their sorry platform?
77
A one-two punch for the GOP climate deniers. First the Pope on climate change and now the Chinese on cap=and-trade. It's lonely indeed when you're out of step with both Pope Francis and President Xi.
61
Wow! Great news! So now it is the Pope and China! What a delightful surprise!
37
Too bad some of our leaders still don't even buy in to the human cause of global warming. China's making us look really bad. "Disfunctional" hardly captures how our government is behaving.
24
China has agreed to commit to a cap and trade system because it is good and necessary for China, especially because of the anger in the Chinese public about air quality in Beijing and in other major Chinese cities.
However, agreeing to commit is not the same as implementation and it is far from clear that China will be able to do so or enforce its decisions. This, though, is, ironically, more than the US has done, as Mr. Obama has not even been successful in getting the US to commit, much less implement, and it makes no difference who is at fault.
However, when China does not have a reason to commit or change, then things are very different as today's editorial on problems with China, such as cyber attacks states.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/opinion/president-xis-double-talk-on-d...®ion=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region
However, agreeing to commit is not the same as implementation and it is far from clear that China will be able to do so or enforce its decisions. This, though, is, ironically, more than the US has done, as Mr. Obama has not even been successful in getting the US to commit, much less implement, and it makes no difference who is at fault.
However, when China does not have a reason to commit or change, then things are very different as today's editorial on problems with China, such as cyber attacks states.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/opinion/president-xis-double-talk-on-d...®ion=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region
3
This is a game-changer, if it comes to pass.
The US will have no choice, since, as the second largest emitter, it will be shamed into going along. Add the EU (which is already there), Australia (tried, backed off, will try again), India/Korea/Mexico/Japan/Peru (ready do go with their own versions), and what we have is a frontal assault on the climate skeptics and denialists.
The US will have no choice, since, as the second largest emitter, it will be shamed into going along. Add the EU (which is already there), Australia (tried, backed off, will try again), India/Korea/Mexico/Japan/Peru (ready do go with their own versions), and what we have is a frontal assault on the climate skeptics and denialists.
68
It's shameful that the USA has been so slow to act on warming. But don't think that we'll see any changes soon, Whatever.
Every day that Republicans prevent any legislation on curbing CO2 emissions--and every day that their supporters fight any regulations that are intended to address the issue--is a day of victory for them.
The Koch Brothers and others will fight cap-and-trade to the very end. And that, sadly will be a long, long time.
Every day that Republicans prevent any legislation on curbing CO2 emissions--and every day that their supporters fight any regulations that are intended to address the issue--is a day of victory for them.
The Koch Brothers and others will fight cap-and-trade to the very end. And that, sadly will be a long, long time.
3
Cap & Trade is a sham because the cap is always set too low and there is no enforcement. Carbon tax is a better concept but only if the price is high enough and there is rigorous enforcement. Ergo, neither will work in the good ol'e US of Oligarchy.
China's economic leverage has shrunken dramatically in the last six months. CCP is not no longer viewed as omnipotent. It will face more challenges internationally for the foreseeable future. Since CCP will not risk short term political pain of rising unemployment for long term economic gains of reducing capacity within its system, it will continue to limp economically for the next 10 years. The Chinese miracle growth model is officially over for now.
2
Cap-and-trade was rejected by the Senate as proposed by the President because China had no policy. Now they do, so what's the objection?
36
We will need serious verification protocols and serious ways to make sure they are indeed implementing these lofty agreements, cause you know China is so trustworthy and has such a mature sense of fair play.............so yes there will still be some serious objections.
“Under my plan of a cap-and-trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket..... That will cost money. They will pass that cost on to consumers.”
- Barack Obama 2008
- Barack Obama 2008
Unlike the Chinese in every major Chinese city, I'm not holding my breath on this commitment.
5
Thanks for your cynicism. It is exactly what the world needs right now.
2
Good. This is exactly why a republican can't return to white house. All the tenuous progress in economy, environment and diplomacy will be reversed.
50
Sad that they implemented this before us.
31
1.3 billion people live there. Be glad.
4