The reason for climate change is the growth of the population and the increase of a consumption intensive lifestyle. In consciousness of this negative trend "the EU and Chinaconsider climate action and the clean energy transition an imperative more important than ever." Especially since the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement a major role in combating climate change is awarded to China and the European Union. Therefore, this term paper outlines the relevance of a consensus in climate change issues between the People's Republic of China and the EU.
Over the last 50 decades, meetings and agreements have developed and tried to implement solution approaches to reduce climate changes. Several agreements focused especially on a multilateral level approach such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Especially strong economic nations have a large impact to climate change.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Policy Field: Climate Change
3 Historical overview of the development from economic partners to climate partners
4 Climate Cooperation between China and the EU
5 Emission Trading System
6 Conclusion
7 Literature Review
Objectives and Topics
This term paper examines the strategic relevance of fostering a consensus on climate change between the People's Republic of China and the European Union. It investigates how their bilateral cooperation has evolved from a primarily economic relationship to a partnership focused on environmental governance, particularly in light of shifting global climate politics and the potential for shared policy instruments like emission trading systems.
- Evolution of China-EU relations from economic to climate partners
- The impact of multilateral agreements like the Paris Agreement on bilateral ties
- Strategic cooperation in the field of low-carbon technologies and green growth
- Functionality and development of Emission Trading Systems (ETS) in the EU and China
- Challenges and opportunities for linking carbon markets
Excerpt from the book
3 Historical overview of the development from economic partners to climate partners
The relationship between the People’s Republic of China and EU has been evolving since 1975. The connection between these major players has been shaped in particular through economic trade in the beginning. The first trade commitment was in 1978. Then in 1985, an agreement on trade and economic cooperation was concluded, which remains the most important legal framework for relations to this day. Nowadays China’s largest trading partner is the EU, and the EU’s second largest trade partner is China. Besides, more than 60 sectoral dialogues as well as regular summit and ministerial meetings have developed. In 1998 the first China-EU Summit was held with the aim of establishing "a 21st century-oriented long-term and stable constructive partnership between them". In order to achieve their mutual interests an annual meeting between them shall strengthen their relationship. Dialogues, consultation and cooperation has been conducted at various levels by China and EU. Despite many challenges because of environmental and climate issues as well as altering market conditions, China and the EU announced in serval summits their mutual interest in improving together in this areas and in becoming more sustainable, in the last years. "This relationship has morphed from mainly trade and economic cooperation into a comprehensive and mature partnership". Considering the mutual impacts of China and the EU, due to dependency in such areas as trade, as well as their significantly contribution to GHG emissions, among other things by their economic growth, cooperation regarding climate change seems rational.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter highlights the urgency of climate action, noting the growing consumption-intensive lifestyle and the increased responsibility of China and the EU following the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
2 Policy Field: Climate Change: The section provides an overview of historical multilateral agreements and discusses the disproportionate impact of greenhouse gas emissions by major economies compared to their vulnerable global counterparts.
3 Historical overview of the development from economic partners to climate partners: This chapter chronicles the transformation of the China-EU relationship from a strictly economic framework established in the late 1970s to a mature partnership now prioritizing climate and sustainability goals.
4 Climate Cooperation between China and the EU: This part analyzes the transition of both entities from potential opponents to active collaborators in climate negotiations, emphasizing their joint commitment to circular and low-carbon growth as defined in the EU-China 2020 Strategic Agenda.
5 Emission Trading System: The chapter explores the role of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) as a cost-effective policy tool, contrasting the mature EU-ETS with China's pilot projects and examining the challenges of potential linkage.
6 Conclusion: The summary reflects on the necessity of bilateral cooperation for global credibility and sustainable development, while cautioning that political uncertainties, such as Brexit, and conflicting interests remain significant hurdles.
7 Literature Review: This section provides a comprehensive list of academic sources, policy papers, and official government statements used to support the analysis throughout the term paper.
Key Words
Climate Change, China, European Union, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Emission Trading System, Bilateral Cooperation, Sustainable Development, Paris Agreement, Low-carbon Technology, Environmental Policy, Economic Growth, Global Governance, Paris Climate Summit, Green Partnership, Carbon Market
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this term paper?
The paper focuses on the relevance of establishing a consensus between the People's Republic of China and the European Union regarding climate change policies and international environmental governance.
What are the central themes of the research?
The core themes include the historical evolution of China-EU bilateral relations, the efficacy of emission trading systems, and the strategic importance of cooperation in low-carbon development.
What is the ultimate goal of the work?
The goal is to determine why and how China and the EU have moved toward a climate-centric partnership and whether this collaboration serves as an effective mechanism for global climate change mitigation.
Which methodology is applied?
The research is based on a review and synthesis of international policy documents, scholarly literature, official joint statements, and reports on global greenhouse gas trends.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the policy landscape of climate change, the historical background of the China-EU economic-to-climate partnership, the specific cooperation within the 2020 Strategic Agenda, and an analysis of Emission Trading Systems.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Climate Change, EU-China Partnership, Emission Trading System (ETS), Sustainable Development, and Global Environmental Governance.
How does the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement affect this bilateral relationship?
The US withdrawal has elevated the roles of China and the EU as the leading global actors in combating climate change, forcing them to strengthen their consensus to fill the leadership gap.
Why is the Emission Trading System considered a critical policy tool?
It is viewed as a cost-efficient, market-based instrument that encourages innovation in low-carbon technologies, though the paper notes challenges regarding certificate pricing and government intervention.
What challenge does Brexit pose to this cooperation?
The paper identifies Brexit as a source of uncertainty that could potentially threaten the internal stability of the EU and, consequently, its ability to act as a coherent, long-term partner for China.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2018, Climate Change. How Important Is a Consensus Between the People's Republic of China and the European Union?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/499652
