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.

The US, China and India compose about half of all global CO2 emissions. Through “dirty coal” import bans and new technological advances, China hopes to decrease its 2020 carbon emissions by 45% from its 2005 levels. Geoff Hiscock stresses that without increased sustainable investment, CO2 emission levels will keep rising.

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.

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.