Collective effort needed on climate change: #tellusatoday

In a bilateral deal announced Wednesday, China pledged to cap carbon emissions by 2030 and the U.S. accelerated goals to reduce carbon pollution. Letter to the editor:

I suppose Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., has never been to China or even caught news reports in advance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting last week about the high levels of smog and other pollutants in the Beijing air ("Sen. Inhofe: 'A non-binding charade'").

As someone who has visited various cities in China many times, it is clear to see that the country has hit the tipping point in regard to environmental degradation. The pollution, even more than other issues, threatens the stability of the regime.

This reality and pact are hardly charades!

David Balcon; Toronto

Comments from Twitter and Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

The lifeboat that you and I are on is sinking because there are too many supplies. We agree to start throwing supplies overboard to save the boat. But I'm going to throw mine out at a faster pace than you, and I have no guarantees that you'll throw any away. That is the deal President Obama made with China. If China decides not to abide by this agreement, we have no recourse.

The deal won't succeed in stopping, or even slowing, China's carbon emissions. It will only hurt the U.S. economy.

— Tim Morrison

We must tackle our thirst for fossil fuels and forge toward a sustainable energy future. If we are to be the moral nation, building the base of a new energy direction is demanded.

— Lanny Smith

Residents in Beijing continue to suffer with air pollution, mainly from coal-burning plants.

It's in China's self-interest to cut pollution from fossil fuels. How much the Chinese will succeed in doing so is another question, but they know their current course is unsustainable.

— Dick Wilson

While I believe something needs to be done, it has to be collectively, not just the United States, and it has to be binding for everyone.

— Brian Harris

The climate agreement that the U.S. reached with China is weak. We tightened up and gave China until 2030.

— @Georgia_Country

I am happy to see that leadership takes climate change seriously! Now to get Senate leadership on board.

— @krissygirl66

Nobody cares about the deal. Everyone knows China will bail whenever it feels like it.

— @punditweet

For more of the conversation, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.