China, US Discuss Future Energy Trends ahead of US Presidential Election

WASHINGTON (Sept. 26, 2012) – Chinese environmental NGO, the Global Environmental Institute (GEI), and the US-based think tank, Center for American Progress, conducted a track two dialogue on China-US climate change policy in Washington D.C..

The two sides had a discussion on the future of energy and climate change policies in the US and China, the status of international climate negotiations, current obstacles to emissions reductions, and future cooperation between the two countries.

Topics covered in the meeting included future energy production trends following the 2011 Fukushima reactor disaster in Japan and how to promote development and emissions reductions in the current economic environment. Both sides also exchanged views and experience on implementing national carbon emissions cap and trade system.

GEI has organized several high-level dialogues between the two countries since 2008. The meeting was especially timely because it comes as both the US presidential election and the Chinese 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will take place in November. The meetings will help both sides understand future climate policies and limit misunderstandings as both countries prepare for government transitions.