US and China begin 'promising' emissions talks

New talks have begun between the US and China that could help to reduce both superpowers' carbon emissions. The ambitious new round of talks is the most hopeful development in the last 20 years of global negotiations relating to climate change.

The two countries release combined emissions that almost equal the rest of the world, meaning that together, they have the largest impact on global warming. Previously international talks - including the Copenhagen summit of 2009 - failed due to the lack of coordination between China and the US. 

Both countries have now entered into talks to detail the ways in which they can both curb carbon emissions. An agreement between the two will help to seal next year's global climate deal between world leaders; however, a failure to come to an arrangement could mean this plan does not reach completion. 

The fact that the countries have entered into early discussions could be seen as a positive sign, as in previous years the lack of groundwork meant that very little was achieved during the official summits. That means carbon emissions have not been reduced, as last year the EU and US reduced carbon dioxide releases by 60 million tonnes.

In contrast, China's emissions increased by around 500 million tonnes as its reliance on coal continues. Its emissions are predicted to rise for the next two decades if they continue using their current fuel sources and don't make changes to reduce emissions. If China is willing to implement a total emissions cap, it could help bring the country in line with the EU and other nations.

These talks should make it clear whether China is prepared to meet the same targets in terms of reducing emissions as other industrial countries. There has been a long-running disagreement between China and other countries involved in emissions talks.

China has seemed to be more open to making changes to policy to protect the environment, especially after surveys revealed that large areas of land and high levels of available water throughout the nation are very polluted.