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U.S., China to 'roll up' climate sleeves

Massive water cooling towers emit vapor at one of Beijing's main coal-fired power plants located next to a park on July 12, 2013. A new study links heavy air pollution from coal burning to shorter lives in northern China. The hazardous quality of the air in northern China will shorten lives by an average of five-and-a-half years, according to a recent study. UPI/Stephen Shaver
1 of 2 | Massive water cooling towers emit vapor at one of Beijing's main coal-fired power plants located next to a park on July 12, 2013. A new study links heavy air pollution from coal burning to shorter lives in northern China. The hazardous quality of the air in northern China will shorten lives by an average of five-and-a-half years, according to a recent study. UPI/Stephen Shaver | License Photo

WASHINGTON, July 12 (UPI) -- It is time to "roll up our sleeves" and get to work on a low-carbon economy for the sake of the planet's welfare, a Chinese diplomat said in Washington.

Chinese delegates are in Washington for the fifth annual strategic and economic dialogue. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns met with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi for the signing of a bilateral partnership agreement for the environment.

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The United States and China, two of the world's leading economic powers, are the top emitters of greenhouse gases.

Yang said during a Thursday press briefing with Burns his country was committed to the fight against climate change.

"Let us just roll up our sleeves and do our job and make the Earth greener [and] make this a more beautiful planet for all of us and for generations to come," he said.

Both sides in April formed a working group to discuss ways to cooperate on green initiatives. Delegates in Washington agreed Wednesday to take steps to curb pollution from the transportation sector and cut down their emissions levels.

"We aren't just heeding the call, but leading the charge to find solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges," Burns said.

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