China Says Rich Countries Should Take Lead on Global Warming

China is taking steps to fight global warming, but demands that developed countries take primary responsibility. Currently the world’s second biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, China is set to bypass the US by 2009, but points out that Chinese per-capita emission rates are lower than those of many rich countries. Chinese officials argue that long-term industrial development in the West caused global warming and, therefore, states that contributed most to the phenomenon and can best afford the cost of restricting pollution should bear the burden of combating climate change. Still, China has taken some steps to limit their emissions, including setting ambitious five-year targets and shutting down the worst polluters. – YaleGlobal