EU and China work together to reduce emissions

A deal between the European Union (EU) and China has been struck in an attempt to cut carbon emissions in China.

Currently China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

This deal follows fears that the emission of these gases will force changes in the Earth's climate because of a global energy imbalance.

Many individuals are also fearful of the long-term effects of these gases, as a number remain in the atmosphere for decades or even centuries.

Despite previous clashes over climate policy, the two entities are working together in a bid to provide a safer and more economically viable future.

“[The] agreement with China is a concrete example of how we can work in partnership to tackle global and shared challenges. We commend China’s commitments and we’ll support their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; to make cities cleaner and to better manage water, waste and heavy metal pollution,” commented European commissioner for development Andris Piebalgs.

The £12 million project is compiled of three separate schemes.

Firstly, the EU will work with China to put an emission-cutting design in place. The report details "designing and implementing successful emissions trading pilot programmes that lead over time to effective, nation-wide action".

Project number two is more metropolitan focussed - attempting to use the experience of the EU to advise cities on efficient ecological solutions.

Finally, the third project aims to encourage the Chinese authorities in their efforts to achieve "environmental sustainability by reducing water and heavy metal pollution and implementing sustainable waste treatment policies".

The benefits do not end with the environment, as Climate Action Commissioner, Connie Hedegaard commented on the job potential the agreement provides. "This is a huge opportunity to modernise our economies, stimulate growth and create jobs in new dynamic industries with innovative technologies and clean energy."

Posted by Claire Manning