Media Note

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman

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For Immediate Release                                                                                            March 16, 2009

2009/224

U.S.-China Climate Change Leaders Meet at the State Department

 

Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern met with Chinese Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua of the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China at the Department of State this morning, March 16, 2009. 

The two shared views on climate change and clean energy.   Among other issues, they discussed how to increase cooperation to ensure a positive outcome at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiation in Copenhagen, December 7-18, 2009.

Special Envoy Stern acknowledged the broad work that China is already doing to address climate change, including China’s goals to improve energy efficiency and increase the production of energy from renewable sources.  Special Envoy Stern noted, however, that to contain climate change, both countries will have to strengthen their cooperation to combat climate change.

Special Envoy Stern expressed the importance of the two countries’ strengthening their policy dialogue and practical cooperation on climate change, recognizing that this is a historic opportunity for both countries to contribute to a better future for the planet.  He noted that the two countries have already taken practical action together and that this action needs to be scaled-up in order to meet the challenge of climate change. 

Stern also conveyed the U.S. commitment to transform the economy to a low-carbon model, both to spur economic growth and to sharply reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions. 

 

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