by Xinhua writers Tan Jingjing, Xing Yue
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) — In an interview with Xinhua, former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Nobel Laureate Steven Chu expressed the belief that the United States and China should collaborate on issues such as climate change and sustainability. Chu emphasized the importance of working together in the face of a common enemy, stating, “This is the common enemy. When we get threatened by the common enemy, we should band together.”
Chu made these comments during APEC Leaders’ Week 2023 in San Francisco, which is taking place from Nov. 11 to 17 under the theme of “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.”
A significant development during the event was the release of “The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis” by China and the United States. This joint statement reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate with other countries to address the climate crisis, focusing on energy transition, reducing methane, and tackling global warming by lowering non-carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions.
The meetings between China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in Beijing and Sunnylands, California, were highlighted by Chu as crucial in building trust and mutual recognition of the urgency of climate change.
Observing the worsening floods, heat waves, and water problems, Chu remarked on the accuracy of climate change projections and stressed the need for continued dialogue and cooperation on addressing these challenges.
Looking ahead to the APEC meetings, Chu expressed hope that strategies and solutions for addressing the global crisis would be developed. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of Asia-Pacific economies working together to create a shared future.
