China-U.S. Deal on Emission Cuts - UPSC Environment Notes

Leading up to the international summit, China and the United States forged a significant agreement, setting a clear timetable to address the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The collaborative effort aimed to tackle climate change and set the stage for global cooperation on environmental issues.
The United States, in a commitment to combat climate change, pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below its 2005 levels by the year 2025. This marked a substantial and ambitious target for the nation.
On the other hand, China, recognizing its role as a major emitter, declared its intention to reach the peak of carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2030, if not earlier.
Furthermore, China committed to initiating a reduction in its emissions from 2030 onwards.
In addition, the country undertook to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in its energy mix to 20 percent within the next 16 years, signaling a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
In the broader context, India, with per capita emissions estimated at one-tenth of the United States and one-fourth of China, faced renewed pressure following the China-US agreement to make voluntary commitments in the global effort to combat climate change.
The dynamics of the international stage highlighted the collective responsibility of nations, emphasising that each country, regardless of its current emissions level, needed to play a role in addressing the global environmental challenge.
In response to these expectations and as part of the global push for climate action, India announced its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) at the end of 2015.

This set of commitments outlined India’s plans to contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change and reflected the nation’s dedication to sustainable and responsible environmental practices. The China-US agreement and subsequent actions by India underscored the need for collaborative and coordinated efforts on a global scale to effectively address the urgent issue of climate change.

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The United States and China have announced a groundbreaking agreement aimed at significantly boosting clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and addressing the global issue of climate change by curbing emissions.

Key Details:

Historic Partnership: The agreement marks a crucial moment for both the United States, historically the largest climate polluter, and China, currently the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. Combined, they contribute to 38% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
Global Impact: Aiming for a substantial reduction in emissions, the deal focuses on “pursuing efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030.” The overarching goal is to expedite the transition away from coal, oil, and gas generation towards cleaner and sustainable energy sources.
Power Sector Emission Reduction: Both nations commit to achieving “meaningful absolute power sector emission reduction” within the current decade. This reflects a shared dedication to actively address emissions from the power sector, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Reduction: In a notable step forward, the agreement expands the scope beyond carbon dioxide. The countries pledge to set reduction targets in their next set of national climate pledges, due the following year. These targets will encompass all greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, nitrous oxide, and other gases contributing to planetary warming.

FAQs: China-US Agreement on Emission Cuts

1. What is the background of the China-US agreement on emission cuts?

A: In the lead-up to an international summit, China and the United States collaborated on a landmark agreement, establishing a clear timetable to address the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement aimed to combat climate change and foster global cooperation on environmental issues.

2. What emission reduction targets did the United States commit to under the agreement?

A: The United States pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below its 2005 levels by the year 2025. This commitment represented a substantial and ambitious goal for the nation.

3. What emission reduction commitments did China make?

A: China, recognizing its role as a major emitter, declared its intention to reach the peak of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, if not earlier. Additionally, China committed to initiating a reduction in its emissions from 2030 onwards. The country also aimed to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in its energy mix to 20 percent within the next 16 years.

4. How does the China-US agreement impact India and other nations?

A: Following the China-US agreement, there was renewed pressure on India and other nations to make voluntary commitments in the global effort to combat climate change. The agreement highlighted the collective responsibility of nations, emphasizing the need for each country to play a role in addressing the global environmental challenge.

5. What were India’s actions in response to the China-US agreement?

A: In response to global expectations and as part of the push for climate action, India announced its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) at the end of 2015. These commitments outlined India’s plans to contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change, reflecting the nation’s dedication to sustainable and responsible environmental practices.

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China-U.S. Deal on Emission Cuts – UPSC Environment Notes