Comments:China promises cut in carbon dioxide emissions

emissions
This isn't really a promised cut in CO2 emissions; rather, Mr. Hu is saying that they will cut back PER UNIT OF GDP. Since China undoubtedly is planning to grow their GDP through 2020, total emissions will likely continue to rise, albeit at a slower rate than they otherwise would have. The US has demonstrated a similar pattern; we're doing some things cleaner and more efficiently, but long-term our total consumption and emissions continue to increase.