China to Cut Emissions 45%

After President Obama vowed new goals for emissions cuts in the U.S., China is following suit, pledging a formidable 45 percent cut by 2020. In recent years China has come under fire for its heavy pollution, and the new climate goals fall short of expectations for a 50 to 55 percent cut, given that the growing nation is expected to increase global rates of emissions by 50 percent over the next two decades. "The U.S. commitment to specific, mid-term emission cut targets and China's commitment to specific action on energy efficiency can unlock two of the last doors to a comprehensive agreement," said Yvo De Boer, who is heading the upcoming UN climate conference in Denmark. In preparation for the talks, Obama and China’s president Hu Jintao have announced plans for initiatives between the U.S. and China to develop various green technologies and strategies, and to research Chinese emissions more closely.