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China And Climate Change: Domestic Environmental Needs, Differentiated International Responsibilities, And Rule Of Law Weaknesses, Patricia Ross Mccubbin

Patricia Ross McCubbin

China recently become the world’s largest emitter by volume of greenhouse gases. As the U.S. moves forward with domestic efforts to restrict its GHG emissions, some policymakers will continue to condition any U.S. obligations on China’s commitments to curb its own emissions. Fortunately, the opportunity exists for a mutually beneficial U.S.-China dialogue on this issue, since, as this article makes clear, China’s central government recognizes that climate change could cause devastating sea level rises that will affect major population centers in the country, as well as droughts and other natural disasters. The central government likewise understands that measures to reduce …