The logic of U.S.-Chinese cooperation on climate change is
manifold. The two countries are the world's largest energy
producers, energy consumers, and carbon emitters, combining to
account for 40 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted globally
each year. By working together, the United States and China
could accomplish more than if they proceeded independently. For
example, the costs of developing and implementing alternative
energy and emissions-reduction technologies are high. But if the
two nations pursue them jointly, the collaboration could create
economies of scale that would drive prices down. In addition,
business and political interests in both countries are reluctant
to assume the costs of reducing emissions while their
competitors across the Pacific continue unimpeded. Cooperation
could help both sides take politically difficult steps. [Read
America's New Energy Dependency: China's Metals.] A
collaboration on clean energy also could be a steppingstone to
building a better overall relationship betw