China and the Environment Fact sheet released by the Bureau of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State, June 17, 1997. After the U.S., China is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming. Scientists have predicted that at the current rate of fossil fuel consumption, the planet's temperature will rise by l.8-6.3 degrees, and the seas will rise between 6 inches and 3 feet by 2l00. We will not find any meaningful solution to the problem without China's cooperation. As the largest developing country exporter of chemicals, China plays a major role in international negotiations to control the production and movement of toxic chemicals and pesticides.
China is the world's largest producer of ozone-depleting substances.
China's follow through on phasing out these substances, as required by the Montreal Protocol, is critical to repairing the ozone layer, reducing health risks such as skin cancer and cataracts in the U.S. and elsewhere. We have an extensive, active program of cooperation with China on environmental issues. We have 75 cooperative activities in areas which include the Beijing Energy Efficiency Center, clean coal technologies, agriculture, groundwater studies, and children's health. The China-U.S. Forum on Environment and Development was recently established as a framework for the interrelated issues of environment, energy, science and commerce. The U.S. leads the world in wastewater, solid waste, and other environmental technologies that could materially reduce the environmental degradation in China, while also promoting U.S. businesses, environmental technologies and services.