Between the two countries, they have many similarities. Even if they are very different in their own ways but in regards to climate change they are pretty much on the same boat. They have different goals base on their stats and data but they both are trying to help bring down the carbon emission down within the next decade. I did notice that both countries did not talk about women and the impact of climate change on women. In reality women are more affected by climate change than men because in the case of a national disaster women are more likely to not be safe and subjected to violence during that time. Also girls are more like to drop out of school to help at home after a national disaster.
Suggestions that people in China can do to help with Climate Change:
- Reduce waste: Landfills release the powerful greenhouse gas methane. By recycling, composting, and choosing products with less packaging, you can cut down on your waste.
- Consider switching to renewable energy by adding solar panels to your home or enrolling in a utility company program that promotes renewable energy.
- Consume a plant-based diet: Meat and dairy production are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Think about cutting back on your consumption of these items or switching to a plant-based diet.
Some interventions that Americans can do to help with climate change are:
- Reduce your energy use: Burning fossil fuels, which causes the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, is one of the main causes of climate change. You can switch to energy-efficient equipment, turn off lights and devices when not in use, and use less heating and cooling to lower your energy consumption.
- Reduce your transportation-related emissions: Transportation is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Driving less, taking public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking can all help you cut down on your transportation emissions.
- Teach others and yourself: Increase your knowledge of climate change and impart it to others. Encourage your friends and family to take action by talking about the problem with them.
America’s Views on Climate Change
With changing political environments and administrations, the American position on climate change has changed over time. However, with the Biden administration making it a priority, there has been an increasing awareness of the need to address climate change in recent years. The US withdrew from the Paris Agreement, an international agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions, while the Trump administration was in office. But soon after assuming office in 2021, President Biden issued an order to rejoin the Paris Agreement. The United States has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50–22% below 2005 levels by 2030. Bien has created the first-ever national climate taskforce, which has about 25 and more cabinet-level leaders from different agencies trying to help reach this goal. The task force also wants to achieve a net zero emission by 2050, by 2035 they want to reach 100% of Carbon pollution-free electricity and to distribute 40% of the advantages of federal investments in renewable energy and the environment to underserved communities. The United States has deployed clean energy at record levels in 2021, ten million houses can be powered by a new solar and wind plant. The Biden administration’s approach to climate change is a substantial improvement over that of the previous administration and indicates a growing understanding of the importance of this global issue.
The White House. “Climate.” The White House, 2021, https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/.
Climate Change in China
China has acknowledged the existence of climate change and the possible effects it may have on society, the economy, and the environment. The nation has made measures to address this problem and has established high goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By 2060, China promised that it will achieve carbon neutrality, which means that it would not produce more greenhouse gases than it can absorb. From its earlier position, in which it had simply promised to reach peak emissions by 2030, this represents a considerable change. By 2030, China wants to increase the proportion of non-fossil fuels in its primary energy production to about 25%. China is making significant investments in renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, to meet these objectives. In addition, the nation is promoting energy-saving measures and gradually closing down coal-fired power plants. China is also attempting to increase the effectiveness of its building, transportation, and industrial sectors. With China being the top country on the list of being most polluted and having a bigger carbon footprint, they are getting backlash for not doing enough. Regardless of the fact, China has modified its position on the issue, and the nation is acting to tackle this universal issue.
International Energy Agency. (2021). Enhancing China’s ETS for Carbon Neutrality: Focus on Power Sector. IEA: Paris. https://www.iea.org/reports/enhancing-chinas-ets-for-carbon-neutrality-focus-on-power-sector