In a time of rising U.S.-China tensions, it might seem implausible or even unwise to call upon the two countries to work together to tackle this joint challenge. But both sides have much to gain by cooperation.

To avoid the worst consequences of climate change, the U.S. needs to decarbonize its electricity and transportation sectors by 2035 at the latest, a feat unimaginable without clean energy technologies that are currently primarily produced in China.

By greening our much-needed economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, we can simultaneously upgrade America’s energy infrastructure, create green jobs, and reduce carbon emissions.