The United States and China have recently reached an agreement to address climate change, although they have not committed to ending the use of fossil fuels. The joint statement focuses on increasing cooperation on methane reduction and supporting the global effort to triple renewable energy by 2030. However, the document does not mention coal or the future of fossil energy. Despite this, experts view the agreement as a positive step ahead of the upcoming UN climate summit. The agreement was forged after US climate envoy John Kerry met with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, for three days of negotiations.

Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to tripling renewable energy by 2030, as previously agreed at the G20 meeting in India. They also stated their intention to achieve meaningful reductions in power sector emissions by 2030. However, the document does not address the reduction in coal use or the phasing out of fossil fuels, which the president of the UN climate conference has identified as a key focus. While some experts expected more progress on fossil fuels, they still view the agreement as a positive development, particularly in terms of renewable energy and methane reduction.

The focus on methane reduction is significant because methane is a potent greenhouse gas in the short term. China, the world’s second-largest economy, did not sign the Global Methane Pledge at the COP26 conference in Glasgow, which aimed to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. However, the joint statement indicates that both countries will include methane and other greenhouse gases in their future climate plans. This announcement is seen as a major step, considering China’s status as the largest methane emitter globally.

In addition to their commitments, the US and China have agreed to jointly host a summit on methane and non-CO2 gases at the upcoming COP28 conference. This agreement is expected to boost the morale of delegates attending the conference, as there have been concerns about the lack of progress due to political divisions and the projected record-breaking warmth of 2023. The fact that the US and China, despite their differences, can come together to cooperate on climate change sets a positive tone for the conference and may encourage other countries to follow suit.

Original news source: Climate change: US and China take ‘small but important steps’ (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Start the class by asking students to summarize the article in their own words, focusing on the key points, such as the agreement between the United States and China, the focus on methane reduction, and the upcoming UN climate summit. Give students a few minutes to prepare and then have them share their summaries with a partner.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements related to the article, such as “The agreement between the US and China will significantly impact global climate change efforts,” and “Reducing methane emissions is more important than phasing out coal.” Have students move around the room to different corners or sides to indicate their agreement or disagreement with each statement. Afterward, facilitate a group discussion on their opinions.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to use the information from the article to make predictions about the future of climate change efforts. They should consider the implications of the agreement, the role of the US and China in global climate politics, and the potential outcomes of the UN climate summit. Students can write down their predictions and then discuss them in small groups.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary terms from the article, such as “methane,” “renewable energy,” “emissions,” and “non-CO2 gases.” Divide the class into teams and have students take turns drawing the terms on the board without using words or gestures. Their team must guess the term within a time limit.

– Headline Creation
Instructions: Challenge students to create new headlines for the article that capture its essence while also being catchy and engaging. Encourage creativity and allow them to use wordplay or puns if they wish. Share the headlines with the class and vote on the most effective one. Discuss why certain headlines are more compelling than others.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What specific areas of cooperation on climate change have the United States and China agreed to focus on?
2. What global effort related to renewable energy have both the United States and China committed to supporting by 2030?
3. Who met for three days of negotiations, resulting in the recent climate change agreement between the United States and China?
4. What emissions-related goal have both countries stated their intention to achieve by 2030?
5. Why is the focus on methane reduction significant in the context of climate change?
6. Which conference did China not sign the Global Methane Pledge at, and what was the pledge’s target for methane emission reduction?
7. What major event related to climate change are the US and China planning to jointly host at the upcoming COP28 conference?
8. How is the joint agreement between the US and China viewed in terms of setting the tone for the upcoming UN climate summit?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The United States and China have recently reached an agreement to address climate change, although they have not committed to ending the use of fossil fuels. The joint statement focuses on increasing cooperation on methane reduction and supporting the global (1)______ to (2)______ renewable energy by 2030. However, the document does not mention coal or the future of fossil energy. Despite this, (3)______ view the agreement as a positive step ahead of the upcoming UN climate (4)______. The agreement was forged after US climate envoy John Kerry met with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, for three days of negotiations.

Both countries have (5)______ their commitment to tripling renewable (6)______ by 2030, as previously agreed at the G20 meeting in India. They also stated their intention to achieve meaningful (7)______s in power sector emissions by 2030. However, the document does not address the reduction in coal use or the phasing out of fossil (8)______, which the president of the UN climate conference has identified as a key focus. While some experts expected more progress on fossil fuels, they still view the agreement as a positive development, particularly in terms of renewable energy and methane reduction.

The focus on methane reduction is significant because methane is a potent greenhouse gas in the short term. China, the world’s second-largest economy, did not sign the (9)______ Methane (10)______ at the COP26 conference in (11)______, which aimed to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. However, the joint statement indicates that both (12)______ will include methane and other greenhouse gases in their future climate plans. This announcement is seen as a major step, considering China’s status as the largest methane emitter globally.

In addition to their commitments, the US and (13)______ have agreed to jointly host a summit on methane and non-CO2 gases at the (14)______ COP28 conference. This agreement is expected to boost the morale of delegates attending the conference, as there have been concerns about the lack of progress due to political divisions and the projected record-breaking warmth of 2023. The fact that the US and China, despite their differences, can come together to (15)______ on climate change sets a (16)______ tone for the conference and may encourage other countries to follow suit.
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Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your understanding of the importance of international agreements on climate change?
2. How would you feel if your home country was not actively participating in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
3. Do you like the idea of countries working together to combat climate change? Why or why not?
4. Do you think it’s realistic for the world to triple its renewable energy use by 2030? Why or why not?
5. What is a significant environmental concern in your own country, and how is it being addressed?
6. How would you feel if you found out your country was the largest emitter of a harmful gas like methane?
7. Do you think the focus on methane reduction is as important as reducing CO2 emissions? Why or why not?
8. What is a renewable energy source you are most familiar with, and do you think it’s effectively being utilized in your region?
9. How would you feel if political divisions in your country were hindering progress on climate action?
10. Do you think the absence of commitments to end fossil fuel use undermines the effectiveness of climate agreements? Why or why not?
11. What is your opinion on the balance between economic growth and environmental protection in the context of energy use?
12. How would you feel if your government prioritized economic interests over environmental concerns?
13. Do you like the idea of a joint summit focused specifically on methane and non-CO2 gases? Why or why not?
14. Do you think that the cooperation between the US and China on climate change will encourage other countries to take more action?
15. What is one action you believe individuals or communities can take to support the goals of international climate agreements?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. agreement
2. fossil fuels
3. renewable energy
4. methane reduction
5. coal
6. climate summit
7. negotiations
8. greenhouse gases

Meanings:
(a) A formal understanding or arrangement between parties
(b) A gathering of world leaders to discuss climate-related issues
(c) Energy derived from natural resources that can be replenished
(d) A combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock
(e) Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas
(f) Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere
(g) Discussions or talks aimed at reaching an agreement
(h) The process of decreasing the amount of methane released into the atmosphere
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the focus of the joint statement between the United States and China?
(a) Phasing out fossil fuels and reducing coal use
(b) Methane reduction and renewable energy
(c) Power sector emissions and global cooperation
(d) Tripling renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gases

2. What is the significance of methane reduction in the agreement?
(a) Methane is a potent greenhouse gas in the short term
(b) Methane is the largest emitter globally
(c) Methane reduction is the main goal of the agreement
(d) Methane reduction was not addressed in the agreement

3. Which country did not sign the Global Methane Pledge at the COP26 conference?
(a) United States
(b) China
(c) India
(d) Russia

4. What is the expected outcome of the US-China agreement on hosting a summit on methane and non-CO2 gases?
(a) Phasing out fossil fuels globally
(b) Achieving meaningful reductions in power sector emissions
(c) Addressing the projected record-breaking warmth of 2023
(d) Boosting morale at the COP28 conference

5. What is the view of experts on the US-China agreement?
(a) Disappointing, as it does not address the reduction in coal use or phasing out of fossil fuels
(b) A major breakthrough in global climate change efforts
(c) A positive step, particularly in terms of renewable energy and methane reduction
(d) Ineffective, as it does not commit to ending the use of fossil fuels

6. What did the US and China commit to at the G20 meeting in India?
(a) Phasing out fossil fuels by 2030
(b) Achieving meaningful reductions in power sector emissions
(c) Addressing the reduction in coal use
(d) Tripling renewable energy by 2030

7. What is the main focus identified by the president of the UN climate conference?
(a) Reduction in coal use and phasing out of fossil fuels
(b) Methane reduction and renewable energy
(c) Power sector emissions and global cooperation
(d) Tripling renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gases

8. What is the overall tone set by the US-China agreement on climate change?
(a) Negative, as it does not commit to ending the use of fossil fuels
(b) Ineffective, as it does not address the reduction in coal use
(c) Positive, as it shows cooperation despite differences
(d) Disappointing, as it does not achieve meaningful reductions in power sector emissions

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to tripling renewable energy by 2030.
2. The agreement does not focus on increasing cooperation on methane reduction and supporting renewable energy.
3. The US and China have agreed to jointly host a summit on methane and non-CO2 gases at the upcoming COP28 conference.
4. The agreement was forged after three days of negotiations between US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart.
5. The United States and China have not reached an agreement to address climate change.
6. The document does not address the reduction in coal use or the phasing out of fossil fuels.
7. The document mentions coal and the future of fossil energy.
8. Experts do not view the agreement as a positive step ahead of the upcoming UN climate summit.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What are the main elements of the recent agreement between the United States and China regarding climate change?
2. Why is the agreement between the US and China seen as a positive step ahead of the UN climate summit, despite not addressing the future of fossil fuels?
3. How does the joint statement between the US and China reflect their previous commitments made at the G20 meeting in India?
4. Why is the focus on methane reduction significant in the context of the recent US-China climate agreement?
5. What is the purpose of the summit on methane and non-CO2 gases that the US and China have agreed to jointly host at the upcoming COP28 conference?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What specific areas of cooperation on climate change have the United States and China agreed to focus on?
The United States and China have agreed to focus on increasing cooperation on methane reduction and supporting the global effort to triple renewable energy by 2030.

2. What global effort related to renewable energy have both the United States and China committed to supporting by 2030?
Both the United States and China have committed to supporting the global effort to triple renewable energy by 2030.

3. Who met for three days of negotiations, resulting in the recent climate change agreement between the United States and China?
US climate envoy John Kerry met with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, for three days of negotiations.

4. What emissions-related goal have both countries stated their intention to achieve by 2030?
Both countries have stated their intention to achieve meaningful reductions in power sector emissions by 2030.

5. Why is the focus on methane reduction significant in the context of climate change?
The focus on methane reduction is significant because methane is a potent greenhouse gas in the short term, and reducing its emissions can have a rapid and significant impact on climate change.

6. Which conference did China not sign the Global Methane Pledge at, and what was the pledge’s target for methane emission reduction?
China did not sign the Global Methane Pledge at the COP26 conference in Glasgow, which aimed to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

7. What major event related to climate change are the US and China planning to jointly host at the upcoming COP28 conference?
The US and China are planning to jointly host a summit on methane and non-CO2 gases at the upcoming COP28 conference.

8. How is the joint agreement between the US and China viewed in terms of setting the tone for the upcoming UN climate summit?
The joint agreement between the US and China is viewed as a positive development and sets a positive tone for the upcoming UN climate summit, as it shows that the two countries can cooperate on climate change despite their differences. This may encourage other countries to follow suit.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) effort
(2) triple
(3) experts
(4) summit
(5) reaffirmed
(6) energy
(7) reduction
(8) fuels
(9) Global
(10) Pledge
(11) Glasgow
(12) countries
(13) China
(14) upcoming
(15) cooperate
(16) positive
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. agreement
Answer: (a) A formal understanding or arrangement between parties

2. fossil fuels
Answer: (e) Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas

3. renewable energy
Answer: (c) Energy derived from natural resources that can be replenished

4. methane reduction
Answer: (h) The process of decreasing the amount of methane released into the atmosphere

5. coal
Answer: (d) A combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock

6. climate summit
Answer: (b) A gathering of world leaders to discuss climate-related issues

7. negotiations
Answer: (g) Discussions or talks aimed at reaching an agreement

8. greenhouse gases
Answer: (f) Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the focus of the joint statement between the United States and China?
Answer: (b) Methane reduction and renewable energy

2. What is the significance of methane reduction in the agreement?
Answer: (a) Methane is a potent greenhouse gas in the short term

3. Which country did not sign the Global Methane Pledge at the COP26 conference?
Answer: (b) China

4. What is the expected outcome of the US-China agreement on hosting a summit on methane and non-CO2 gases?
Answer: (d) Boosting morale at the COP28 conference

5. What is the view of experts on the US-China agreement?
Answer: (c) A positive step, particularly in terms of renewable energy and methane reduction

6. What did the US and China commit to at the G20 meeting in India?
Answer: (d) Tripling renewable energy by 2030

7. What is the main focus identified by the president of the UN climate conference?
Answer: (a) Reduction in coal use and phasing out of fossil fuels

8. What is the overall tone set by the US-China agreement on climate change?
Answer: (c) Positive, as it shows cooperation despite differences
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to tripling renewable energy by 2030. (Answer: True)
2. The agreement does not focus on increasing cooperation on methane reduction and supporting renewable energy. (Answer: False)
3. The US and China have agreed to jointly host a summit on methane and non-CO2 gases at the upcoming COP28 conference. (Answer: True)
4. The agreement was forged after three days of negotiations between US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart. (Answer: True)
5. The United States and China have not reached an agreement to address climate change. (Answer: False)
6. The document does not address the reduction in coal use or the phasing out of fossil fuels. (Answer: True)
7. The document mentions coal and the future of fossil energy. (Answer: False)
8. Experts do not view the agreement as a positive step ahead of the upcoming UN climate summit. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧