The impact of the Paris Climate Accord on China’s carbon emissions has effectively been nil. It’s no wonder China has remained a proponent of the accord; it has no impact on them, yet shackles their competition. China’s terms under the agreement? Peak their emissions (without limit) by 2030. U.S. terms? Reduce carbon output by 26-28% of 2005 levels by 2025. Hardly seems fair, given that China is the world’s largest emitter of CO2.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Are Up Again. What Now, Climate?
Throttling our own companies with carbon emission regulations to the point where they shut down, then buying the same product from unregulated overseas manufacturers hardly seems prudent. It may cut our own carbon emissions, but will raise overall emissions while destroying our industrial base.
If we want to have an impact on carbon emissions, we should consider placing a tariff on imported goods based on their embedded carbon content. This will level the playing field and preserve fair competition among manufacturers while lowering overall world-wide emissions.