US, China agree on need for climate change action

The governments of United States and China said in a joint statement Saturday there's an "urgent need for action" on global climate change. A statement released by the U.S. State Department in conjunction with the Chinese says the two countries recognize the "overwhelming scientific consensus" that climate change exists and is driven by the increase in burning fossil fuels. "In light of the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change and its worsening impacts, and the related issue of air pollution from burning fossil fuels, the United States and China recognize the urgent need for action to meet these twin challenges," the statement read. "Both sides reaffirm their commitment to contribute significantly to successful 2015 global efforts to meet this challenge." The commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions comes ahead of a bilateral summit between the two nations scheduled for this year.