China, US strike new deal to cut emissions

China and the US have agreed to five new initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants by tackling the largest sources of emissions in both countries.

The initiatives include: reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles; increasing carbon capture, utilization and storage; increasing energy efficiency in buildings, industry and transport; improving greenhouse gas data collection and management; and promoting smart grids, according to a US State Department statement.

Xie Zhenhua, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission and co-chair of the China-US working group on climate change, described the initiative as a new highlight in the China-US relationship.

"But both countries still have a lot to do," he told reporters at the fifth China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue, presided over by Vice-Premier Wang Yang, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, and US Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew.

"We are the largest developed country and the largest developing country - as well as the largest greenhouse gas emitters," he said. "Strengthening our cooperation on climate change will not only benefit the people in the two countries but all mankind."

The working group will develop the plan for the five initiatives by October.

Heavy-duty vehicles are the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the US and account for more than half of the fuel consumed in China.

Under the initiatives, the countries will advance policies to reduce carbon dioxide and black carbon emissions by raising fuel efficiency standards, using cleaner fuels and vehicle emission control technologies, as well as more efficient and clean freight.

China and the US account for more than 40 percent of global coal consumption. The carbon capture initiative aims to reduce emissions from coal combustion in power plants and industry.

Deborah Seligsohn, a researcher at the University of California at San Diego, said there is a sense of renewed momentum for bilateral cooperation on climate and energy.

"With new leadership in China and new environmental pressures, climate and environmental issues are high on the domestic agenda," she said.