"China and the United States Join in Seeking Emissions Cuts"

"As nearly 200 nations struggle over global climate negotiations, the world’s two biggest polluters sign an agreement, but it was short on details."

"GLASGOW — The United States and China announced a joint agreement Wednesday to “enhance ambition” on climate change, saying they would work together to do more to cut emissions this decade while China committed for the first time to reduce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

The pact between the world’s two biggest polluters came as a surprise to the thousands of attendees gathered here for a United Nations climate summit. China and the United States, rivals that face growing tensions over trade, human rights and other issues, spoke as allies in the fight to keep global warming to relatively safe levels.  

“We both see the challenge of climate change is existential and a severe one,” said Xie Zhenhua, China’s climate change envoy. “As two major powers in the world, China and the United States, we need to take our due responsibility and work together and work with others in the spirit of cooperation to address climate change.”

John Kerry, the U.S. special envoy for climate, followed the remarks from Mr. Xie with an assessment of his own. “The U.S. and China have no shortage of differences,” said Mr. Kerry, a former secretary of state with a long history of negotiating with the Chinese. “But on climate, cooperation is the only way to get this job done.”"

Brad Plumer and Lisa Friedman report for the New York Times November 10, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"China, US Pledge To Increase Cooperation At UN Climate Talks" (AP)

"China And The US Announce Plan To Work Together On Cutting Emissions" (Guardian)

"U.S., China Surprise Summit With Joint Commitment: COP26 Update" (Bloomberg Green)

"Surprise U.S.-China Climate Deal Breaks Through Superpower Standoff" (Bloomberg Green)

"Report: China Emissions Exceed All Developed Nations Combined" (BBC News)

"U.S. And China Announce Climate Deal" (E&E News)

"China and U.S., at Odds on Many Issues, Agree on a Surprise Climate Deal" (New York Times)

"U.S. and China Issue Joint Pledge To Slow Climate Change" (Washington Post)

Source: NYTimes, 11/11/2021