The US and China contribute large amounts of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere every year, and it is thought that between them they contribute 45% of the world's carbon dioxide. However, following talks between the leaders of the two countries in Beijing, historic pledges have been made on both sides to address their emissions levels.
US President, Barack Obama, set a new goal for the US to reduce emissions levels between 26%-28% by 2025 when compared to 2005 levels. Whilst China did not specify an emissions reduction target, it has said that its emissions would peak by 2030, which is the very first time it has set a ceiling on its emissions.
Whilst immediate cuts in emissions cannot be expected from China, the latest pledge to set a peak is a significant step in monitoring and then finally reducing its emissions. Mr Obama said that the US would work with China to "slow, peak and then reverse the course of China's carbon emissions".
These latest pledges come ahead of a planned meeting in Paris next year during which, it is hoped, a global agreement on the reduction of emissions from 2020 should be agreed. China's President, Xi Jinping, said "We agreed to make sure that international climate change negotiations will reach an agreement in Paris."
