And people still point fingers at the U.S. as the environmental bad guys. Give me a fricking break.

While I appreciate the comment, I do not share the sentiment. The U.S.'s hand is significantly weakened by its shabby environmental record, and can likely expect the same "cooperation" it has given when dealing with global warming and other such issues...

What do we say when China puts its economic interests before industrial/environmental reform?...That was then, this is now?? Should be interesting.

You are entitled to your own opinion, but it doesn't change facts. China has already overtaken the U.S. as the worst polluter.

The facts are not in dispute....It is clear that China is an industrial juggernaut, the likes of which has not been witnessed since the Industrial Revolution in Europe and in this country.

ONCE AGAIN: The U.S. has WEAKENED ITS HAND. At the bargaining table, it will be difficult to leverage for change/responsibility from China given the United States stubbornness to adopt environmental legislation, and our well-documented contribution to the current situation.

Your point is clear...now there is a bigger polluter than us. While this may make you feel better, it changes precisely nothing in terms of environment/quality of life for EVERY human.

Current events cannot be ripped from the context of history.