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Earth Day—The Global Challenge of Energy and Climate Change
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• China has matched the United States in its level of emissions, and together they produce 40 percent of global emissions. Yet both remain locked in a “suicide pact” of self-destructive, energy-using behavior, while demanding that the other take responsibility for climate change.
• Both sides should set goals and propose practical, non-treaty based approaches that are enforceable. Regulatory policies for vehicles, appliances, new buildings, etc., would not hurt either economically, and would actually save money.
• U.S. policymakers should avoid the temptation to throw money at the problem, which in the past created unintended consequences like the world food price crisis, partially caused by corn subsidies for ethanol production. If the United States does not focus on reducing the rate of growth and cutting the waste of energy, subsidies for alternative energies will not work.
Chandler concludes:
“This is a special moment. We have an election coming in this country. We’ll have different leadership, active consideration of climate policy in the Congress, and at the same time, a Chinese government that finally gets it. They’re willing now for the first time to talk about a serious cooperative program with the United States to take joint action. I think we ought to take advantage of that.”
Resources
Breaking the Suicide Pact: U.S.–China Cooperation on Climate Change
March 2008
Chandler identifies practical, non treaty-based approaches that the United States and China could take to cut their carbon dioxide emissions across economic sectors—with little financial impact. He argues that both countries should work together to set individual, national goals and achieve them through domestically enforceable measures and international agreements that prevent either nation from taking advantage of steps taken by the other.
Financing Energy Efficiency in China
January 2008
Reforming China’s financial sector can curb China’s greenhouse gas emissions even as work continues on an international treaty, argues Chandler in this recent report. China’s impressive national policies to promote clean and renewable energy have been undermined by unnecessary financial hurdles and bureaucratic struggles that increase financial risks and costs for potential investors. Chandler argues that restrictions on debt financing and foreign equity investment, unfavorable tax policies, and even the United Nations’ emissions trading system all discourage foreign investment in clean energy in China.
25 Ways to Take the Heat Off
April 2008
Polls show that most Americans are concerned about climate change. Effectively stemming climate change means persuading individuals to take responsibility for cutting their emissions. The Chicago Tribune asked some of the world’s leading climate change experts, including Chandler, for their ideas on the most effective ways for individuals to make a difference. Chandler’s suggestions range from actions individuals can take within their own homes to policies individuals can lobby to their representatives and the private sector.
New Carnegie Program
The aims of the Carnegie Energy and Climate Program are to provide leadership in global energy and climate policy. The Program integrates thinking on energy technology, environmental science, and political economy to reduce risks stemming from global change and competition for scarce resources. It will create new products and collaborate with Carnegie experts around the world to provide information and change the way policymakers think about energy policy.
New Video Experience
Carnegie has implemented a new, enhanced multi-video player that promises to streamline your viewing experience. Videos will appear in a self-contained pop-up box that lists the available video segments. By clicking on one of the segment titles, you will be able to immediately view the content you want.
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