China and California partner on climate action

China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the government of California have signed an agreement to work together on combating climate change and reducing emissions.

The two parties announced that they will collaborate on the development of clean energy technologies in addition to cooperating on emissions trading and exploring other "climate-positive" trade and investment opportunities.

The California-China Clean Technology Partnership will drive innovation and commercialisation in areas including clean energy, energy storage, carbon capture and advanced information technology with the ultimate aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

California Governor Jerry Brown said: “The challenges are big but so too is the commitment – the commitment of Jiangsu Province with California and China with the people of America. We’re going to get it done. Nothing will stop us.”

He went on to say: “Green is not only gold, green is our future – China, California and America and the other countries of the world are all working for the prosperity of the people.”

The Governor’s remarks were made on World Environment Day during the International Summit of New Environmental Protection Technology in Nanjing on Monday 5 June.

California has worked with China on environmental issues for a number of years, including zero-emissions vehicles and air quality control.

Governor Brown said: “China is making a substantial contribution, as are other places in the world, and we are stepping up the effort.”

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) said in a statement: “Joint pledges by China and the United States ahead of the Paris talks helped create the momentum required to secure the Paris Climate Change Agreement, and included a promise by China to establish a nationwide emissions trading exchange by this year.”

Governor Brown announced last week that he would discuss linking China's carbon trading platforms with California's, the largest in the U.S.

The news follows the announcement that California will source 100 per cent of its power from renewable energy, including solar and wind power, by 2045 under legislation passed by the state Senate on Wednesday 31 May.

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Image source: Gov. Jerry Brown's Press Office