China will take the lead as Trump scores climate change own-goal
Countries are likely to impose carbon-related tariffs on US goods if deemed to have an unfair advantage in an economy free of carbon restraints
Launceston, Australia — It’s not hard to imagine Chinese President Xi Jinping having a wry smile at both the decision by President Donald Trump to pull the US out of the Paris climate accord and the global reaction. While Trump’s decision had been expected, it does confirm that world leadership on efforts to limit global climate change will now shift to Asia, and China in particular. Xi is now free to accept the mantle of global leadership on climate action, which will give him an opportunity to advance China’s interests across the world at a time when Trump’s actions are likely to cost the US influence and allies. The best part for Xi is that this hasn’t cost him anything, Trump has done the damage to the US all by himself, and is most probably unaware or uncaring of the likely consequences, which go well beyond the blow to the image of the US as a global leader. It’s been a good past few weeks for Xi, given the successful hosting of a regional summit in Beijing to promote the "bel...
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