The US and China Are Restarting Climate Talks: Here’s Where Things Stand

"John Kerry travels to Beijing for three days of talks, as the world’s two biggest economies, and two biggest polluters, try to cooperate on climate action."

"For nearly a year, talks between the planet’s two biggest polluters, China and the United States, have been suspended as the impacts of global warming have only grown more intense in the form of deadly heat, drought, floods and wildfires.

John Kerry, President Biden’s special envoy for climate change, is set to arrive in Beijing on Sunday to restart climate negotiations with the Chinese government. He is slated to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, and other officials for three days of talks, with the goal of finding ways to work together on climate change despite simmering tensions between the two countries on trade, human rights and other issues. Here’s what you should know:
Why does this meeting matter?

The United States and China are the world’s biggest economies, the world’s biggest investors in renewable energy and, most critically, the world’s biggest fossil fuel polluters. Together they spew about 40 percent of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere."

Lisa Friedman reports for the New York Times July 15, 2023.

SEE ALSO:

"US, China Aim To Revive Climate Cooperation As Tensions Simmer" (Reuters)

"John Kerry Steps Into Searing China Heat As World’s Two Biggest Polluters Try To Fix Fractured Ties" (CNN)

"John Kerry in Beijing: Can US And China Set Aside Rivalry For Climate Action?" (BBC News)

"China-US Climate Progress Could Hinge On New Methane Deal" (Reuters)

"US, China Seek Climate Reset With Visit" (Bloomberg)

"John Kerry Goes To China. Here Are 5 Things To Watch" (E&E News)

 

Source: NYTimes, 07/17/2023