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China Joins U.S. With Carbon Emissions Offer

The official New China News Agency reports that China will lower its carbon emissions relative to the size of its economy by as much as 45% by 2020. Many world leaders were hoping for a 50 to 55% cut. Never-the-less, the 45% figure is close enough to suggest a possible breakthrough in Denmark this month during climate negotiations.

The Chinese announcement is on the heels of an announcement by the White House late last week that President Obama is prepared to offer a U.S. emissions reduction target in the range of 17% below 2005 levels in 2020. Pending legislation in the U.S. Congress calls for a 42% reduction below 2005 in 2030.