U.S. Being left in the Dust by More Then China

As many seek ways to develop into alternatives and cleaner energies along with the added lifestyles as even the U.S. infrastructure crumbles.

China's green progress leaves US red-faced

China pushes ahead with an emissions trading scheme, while American initiatives remain sunk in Congressional quicksand

A power plant in Pinghu, China. A cap-and-trade system would help China to reduce carbon emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2020. Photograph: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images

12 April 2011 - When it comes to responding to climate change, the contrast between China and the United States is stark.

It has been clear for some time that the Asian powerhouse is moving more rapidly on renewable technologies. A recent report by Pew Charitable Trusts shows China led the world last year with a $54.4bn investment in clean technology, about 40% higher than third-placed America.

More surprisingly, the Communist government in Beijing is also showing a greater willingness to adopt market-based approaches that were once considered preferable only by capitalist economies. {continued}