Late last night, President Obama made an historic announcement with China to achieve new, more ambitious goals in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy. The targets put forth by both countries will reduce climate pollution in the U.S. by 26–28 percent from 2005 levels, and will peak CO2 emissions in China by 2030 and increase its non-fossil fuel share of all energy to around 20 percent by 2030.

Statement from Trip Van Noppen, President of Earthjustice:

“As the world’s two biggest carbon polluters, the US and China have an obligation to lead the fight against climate change and usher in a new era of clean energy. This announcement is an historic step, and should serve notice that ongoing prosperity in both our countries can and must be built on clean energy. 

“The announcement sets a positive tone for change in the global community, providing meaningful commitments in the run up to the Lima climate negotiations next month which will set the stage for a new climate agreement at the Paris summit in December 2015.

“Nevertheless, the US, China and the other major emitting countries can and must even more aggressively transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Earthjustice will continue to fight for that transition at every turn.”