Experts' take on the Sino-US Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement

Climate change and clean energy

Joanna Lewis reviewed the 50-year history of energy cooperation between China and the United States, which can be traced back to the 1980s. She believes that international cooperation is the main way for the world to deal with climate problems; this also has an impact on domestic policies. Climate change and clean energy are rare areas of common interest between China and the United States. With the rise of China's clean energy development, the cooperation framework between China and the United States may change, and the United States also may learn from China. The field of clean energy provides an area for China and the United States to manage risks and benefits and find ways to interact.

Joanna Lewis is an associate professor of Energy and Environment, Georgetown University, program director of Science, Technology and International Affairs.