“This announcement bolsters prospects for a universal, meaningful agreement in Paristhis year. It further signals the shared vision and seriousness with which the world’s two largest economies are moving to a low carbon future,” said Ban in a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York.

China’s plans to create the world’s largest carbon market by 2017, coupled with its ground-breaking commitment of $3 billion to South-South cooperation on climate change, will improve the health and well-being of its citizens and deliver tangible benefits to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, the statement said.

“The Secretary-General also welcomes the United States’ reaffirmation of its commitment to significant emissions reductions and its pledge to the Green Climate Fund,” the statement continued.

Concluding, it said that the joint China-US announcement provides strong leadership and momentum for a comprehensive global climate agreement in Paris that can put the world on a safer, more sustainable pathway.

Photo: FAO/Sue Price