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The United States and China, which together account for 43 percent of world GDP and about 36 percent of global greenhouse gases, agreed Tuesday on important goals to reduce methane and the carbon pollution from burning coal and to raise their overall greenhouse gas reduction targets. 

Manish Bapna, president and CEO of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) made the following statement: 

“This sends a powerful message of cooperation on the existential challenge of our time. It sets a foundation of ambition going into global climate talks in Dubai. What’s important now is that both countries make good on today’s pledge by rapidly scaling renewable energy this decade, phasing out fossil fuel dependance, cutting methane pollution and strengthening their national climate goals. 

“The United States and China are the world’s largest economies, and the largest emitters of the greenhouse gases driving the climate crisis. Both countries must be leaders in the climate solution. Today’s agreement provides the urgent multilateral commitment we need—and not a moment too soon.”