Climate Policy & U.S.-China Relations

Abstract

United States climate policy is paralyzed by domestic politics and a culture of over-consumption. China, despite scientific evidence that its emissions alone could lead to catastrophic climate events, employs a climate policy arguably based on a cold (though perhaps correct) reality in which the climate crisis is inevitable and only the economically strong will survive. Thus, this Essay has a simple thesis: to date, both the United States and Chinese governments have failed to show leadership in responding to the climate crisis, and without such leadership the countries’ continued paths will make the potential crisis a reality.

Keywords: U.S. Climate Policy, Climate Change, U.S.- China Relations