Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


             US: China to Implement Cap and Trade Emissions Program

   by William Gallo

   China has agreed to implement a cap and trade program to limit
   emissions, according to White House officials, in what would be a
   crucial step toward implementing a landmark climate deal the two
   countries reached last year.

   Speaking on condition of anonymity, senior U.S. officials said Chinese
   President Xi Jinping will announce the program Friday when he meets
   with President Barack Obama at the White House for a state visit.

   The U.S. and China, the world's two biggest polluters, reached an
   initial agreement last year to reduce emissions of climate
   change-causing greenhouse gases. Friday's announcement aims to shed
   light on how the two countries will meet those goals.

   Chinese officials refused to comment on the planned cap and trade
   announcement. U.S. officials also provided few details, but said the
   program will go into place by 2017 and will cover some of the
   worst-polluting sectors of China's economy.

   ''

   Under a cap and trade program, a country sets a limit on its annual
   amount of emissions. Companies can then buy and sell permits that allow
   them to pollute a certain amount, and are given financial incentives to
   pollute less.

   The program was the subject of months of negotiations between U.S. and
   Chinese officials, and will set a precedent for bilateral cooperation
   ahead of December's crucial international climate change summit in
   Paris.

   The announcement could also inject new life into President Obama's
   climate initiatives. In his first term, Obama tried and failed to pass
   a cap and trade program. Many lawmakers said they were opposed because
   China had not also agreed to cut its emissions.

   China will also announce other climate initiatives Friday, according to
   U.S. officials, including plans to fund more low-carbon and energy
   efficient projects, as well as a program that will help poorer
   countries reduce emissions.

   The planned announcement represents a major achievement for the world's
   two largest countries that have struggled to find areas of cooperation
   to highlight during Xi's visit.

   Obama and Xi are expected to discuss several touchy topics during their
   meetings Friday, including China's alleged cyber crimes, human rights
   abuses, and military provocations in Asia, as well as economic issues.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/us-china-to-implement-cap-and-trade-e
   missions-program/2978229.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-china-to-implement-cap-and-trade-emissions-program/2978229.html