“The Chinese commitment target is a strong one by any measure. No developing country in economic history—other than post-Mao China—has cut its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions growth so deeply for so long. For a developing country to legally bind itself to achieve such a target is surprising, and reflects China’s fear of climate change,” says William Chandler of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Chandler further argues that from a diplomatic standpoint, it makes sense to sieze on China’s determination to reach a deal in Copenhagen — a “strike while the iron is hot,” sort of thing.
It seems to me to be a compelling argument. What do you think?