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Challenges and Opportunities for U.S.-China Cooperation on Climate Change 4 June 2009
Senator John Kerry (D-MA), began his opening remarks on the twentieth anniversary of Tiananmen Square by “remembering the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in pursuit of greater freedom in China” during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing entitled "Challenges and Opportunities for U.S.-China Cooperation on Climate Change" on 4 June 2009.
As Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kerry stated the only way forward on the climate change issue is through a successful partnership with China, especially since the rest of the world will look to the U.S. and China for leadership. Chairman Kerry believes “China grasps the urgency of this problem,” and in some ways, China has taken larger steps, spending $200 billion in green stimulus this year, while the U.S. spent $80 billion. Chairman Kerry summed up with the idea that both nations need to inspire its 1.6 billion people to take this cause to heart.
Similarly, Ranking Member Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN), noted the importance of urgency in this situation, but stated that China's words have been complex and sometimes contradictory with its actions. Senator Lugar feels that China lacks a democratic government that would provide the necessary checks and balances in tackling this issue properly but urges that "talks should be pursued", but those talks should also include other issues such as economic security.
When called upon to testify, the witnesses explained that China's economy is based mainly on coal and China has many of the problems of a developing country. Meanwhile, the central government is managing one of the greatest migratory flows in human history as more than 200 million people have left the countryside for urban areas. Furthermore, China's leaders have competing environmental concerns, especially in regard to water. While China does have some good environmental policies, there is only a 5% compliance rate because the country lacks human capital to properly enforce environmental policies.
During the Q&A portion of the hearing, witnesses felt the most effective way to engage with the Chinese government is to begin working with municipal governments, instead of the central government. Senator Lugar questioned how we can bring the case to the American people that we are advancing toward catastrophe when climate change legislation will cost households $1600 per year. All witnesses responded that we need to inform the public that (1) we are already paying a high price via climate-related events such as an increase in California wildfires or drought in the Southeast and (2) the cost of $1600 per year is an incorrect number. Witnesses noted that while the cost of each kilowatt hour of energy may increase, the amount of consumption of energy will decrease per household due to increased appliance efficiencies and insulation and more fuel efficient vehicles.
Witnesses also noted the lack of MRV (measurable, recordable, verifiable) data in regard to China's emissions and the lack of regional modeling. However, all parties were optimistic that the U.S. can work effectively with China to combat this issue.
Please visit the Witness Statements for more information.