China: As is well known China has a huge problem with smog, mostly form coal-fired power plants. Estimates range from half a million to 1.5 million premature deaths as a result. Here we document that China’s INDC for Paris was apparently driven entirely by local concerns and not at all by a desire make a contribution to curbing climate change.

Of course, what China is doing will slow climate change, and it is perfectly sensible, given the nature of the Paris agreement. But the actions listed in their INDC likely have nothing to do with the UN negotiations.

U.S.: We have not yet analyzed the US INDC. It appears to list actions that are driven by a desire to reduce climate change. However, given U.S. politics, unlike the Chinese pledged, this pledge may not be carried out.

EU: No analysis yet, just some news articles.