Mission net zero: part three—geopolitics

US-Sino tensions could hinder global co-operation on climate and divert government spending away from net-zero push

The breakdown in relations between China and the US in recent years may have appeared no more than a Trumpian aberration to some. But based on actions and rhetoric by both sides since President Joe Biden took office it has become increasingly obvious we are in the early days of a New Cold War—with China leading an authoritarian bloc and the US attempting to lead a democratic one. This third and final part of the “Mission net zero” series for Transition Economist looks at the most blatant actions and rhetoric by China and the US over the past six months and explores the ways in which a New Cold War could divert attention and resources away from achieving net zero by 2050. Since becoming presi