After years of pursuing global emission reductions through multilateral agreements, more confrontational tides in international relations, intensified by U.S.-China rivalry, might unexpectedly drive stronger climate action. A great power competition for leadership in green technology and future market dominance could ultimately favor the climate.

A few visits by senior U.S. officials to China will not solve the thorny problems that exist between the two great powers. Climate can be looked at separately, but broader bilateral relations will not heal so long as Washington focuses on undermining China’s core interests.

New international institutions, mechanisms and laws — as well as the reform and improvement of existing ones — should no longer be dominated by the West. The shaping of a new global order should be done through multilateral cooperation.

Most developing countries live with the impact of climate change. They need to join hands to maintain the authority of the United Nations and its status as the predominant platform in global security governance.

Though DC and Beijing seem to be holding grudges, the state of California has been willing to collaborate with the Chinese government in the area of climate cooperation, and may show how U.S.-China ties can be improved outside of federal exchanges.

This extremely difficult period could have included a terrible recession. Instead, we have seen growth around the world. Wealth is being created on a daily basis. What we need is better distribution wealth so that people have happier lives.

Climate cooperation has been touted as an area of common interest for the U.S. and China - and the scientific work being done on the ground by scientists offers much to be shared between the two nations.

Coming out of the COP26 Summit, focus was on Xi Jinping’s absence at the summit, rather than on the shortcomings of major global powers in mitigating climate change - including those whose leaders showed up.

Global leaders are meeting now in Glasgow in one of the world’s largest ever summits regarding the climate. It’s a rare opportunity for the U.S. and China to set aside their disputes and focus on a critical shared goal.

China and the United States recently issued a joint declaration on climate action, bringing hope for one of humanity’s most pressing problems and adding momentum to the global low-carbon transition.