You are here

China, Law, and Copenhagen: CFR and NRDC Discuss

Chinese legal expert Jerome Cohen brings together a panel of leading experts on U.S.-China climate policy to discuss the run-up to Copenhagen and the current state of U.S.-China environmental relations.

When:
November 9, 2009 8:00am to 9:30am
Print

When President Barack Obama first sets foot in China as American President on November 15, only three weeks will remain before the start of negotiations in Copenhagen. President Obama’s first meetings with the superpower of the developing world present a key opportunity for the world's two largest producers of greenhouse gases to overcome their remaining differences ahead of the talks in Denmark.

No meaningful agreement can be passed in Copenhagen without the U.S. and China's endorsement, yet the two countries remain far apart on vital issues. Both President Obama and President Hu Jintao have acknowledged that immediate action is required if the fight against climate change is to succeed, but what form will realistically be acceptable to both nations? What obstacles to agreement remain on each side? What can each country do to build trust and demonstrate commitment to finding a workable solution?

On the morning of November 9 at Asia Society, Chinese legal expert Professor Jerome Cohen of New York University Law School brings together a panel of leading experts on U.S.-China climate policy to discuss the run-up to Copenhagen and the current state of U.S.-China environmental relations. Barbara Finamore, Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) China Program, will detail existing on-the-ground cooperative projects. Orville Schell, Arthur Ross Director of the Asia Society's Center on U.S.-China Relations, will explain the forces keeping the U.S. and China apart and how they might be overcome. Alex Wang, Director of the NRDC's China Environmental Law Project, will cover environmental governance and transparency issues.

A simple buffet breakfast will be provided.

Cost: 
$11 nonmembers; $7 Asia Society members and students