谢谢中国, Thank you China!

China has just pledged to reduce emissions by 45% below 2005 levels relative to economic development. This ambitious goal is pretty great news. Let's hope that China's actions either humiliate, scare or better yet inspire the US leadership to take similarly aggressive action here!

Having spent time in China the summer before last, I can say that when China commits to something, they go big and get the job done. For instance, China has really gotten behind renewable energy in a way that we haven't in the US. A major reason for this is that the Chinese government has been able to be supportive of renewables and push for them in a way that our Congressional government hasn't. Communism certainly has it corruption, but when China's state leaders decide to take on an initiative like renewable energy, nothing holds them back. Here in the US we have to listen to lobbies and debate every bill down to the smallest details, which has dragged out something that we need to get moving on as soon as possible.

For a full story: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/27/science/earth/27climate.html?hp

Yours,

Lily T