This is a big deal.

It is also a bit of a surprise, as many analysts said this would not happen for a few years. But… maybe it’s not so surprising: one of my friend’s told me that China builds two coal-fired plants per week – and combusting such a carbon-intensive fuel, at such a high rate, will only increase CO2 emissions.

The figures used to determine China’s CO2 emissions do NOT include CO2 released from aviation or shipping industries, or deforestation…

This news reinforces the need for an international agreement about climate change - to help countries such as China use available renewables technology. We cannot have a vague framework (that Bush opted for at the G8), or optional participation.