The Biden administration’s commitment to prioritizing climate change is arguably one of its most transformative policies. Within his first week in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 13990, a directive that underscores the administration’s intent to transition the U.S. economy toward clean energy rapidly.

Since then, initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act have funneled $239 billion into green technology, creating 140,000 new clean energy jobs and driving a 4.2% increase in sector employment in 2023.

These gains, however, only highlight the gap between the U.S. and China, which has moved more aggressively in integrating renewable energy and developing green infrastructure. Bridging this divide will require collaboration with China—an approach that could cultivate healthy competition, ultimately accelerating climate action and benefiting humanity.

China has taken a substantial lead in clean energy investments, particularly in emerging economies across the Global South. Countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, and Vietnam have become primary beneficiaries of Chinese investment in solar technology, lithium batteries, and electric vehicles.

While China has positioned itself as a highly adaptive partner for these countries, the U.S. has been seen as a more rigid collaborator. Aligning with China could strengthen U.S. manufacturing ties with developing nations, ease tariff-related barriers, ease costs for American consumers, and provide valuable insights to enhance the country’s renewable technology capabilities.

For many developing nations, a united front by the U.S. and China on climate action would mark a paradigm shift from rivalry to collaboration. Such a partnership could encourage these countries to move more confidently toward green economies, especially if they see the world’s two largest economies advancing climate solutions together. Moreover, for the U.S., working with China could also mean reducing tariffs on essential renewable energy technologies.

These tariffs, which currently drive up consumer costs, make it more difficult for Americans to access affordable green technology, including Chinese-made EVs and lithium batteries. By eliminating these trade barriers, the U.S. could foster a more open market for foreign firms that help local communities transition to clean energy, ultimately spurring domestic manufacturing job creation.

In addition to removing economic roadblocks, collaboration would allow for a meaningful exchange of renewable energy technology. Clean energy hubs in the U.S. would have the opportunity to adapt and benefit from China’s highly efficient production models, expediting the nation’s shift toward renewable energy. Knowledge-sharing across the U.S.-China divide could ignite productive competition, eventually positioning the U.S. to outpace China in green technology development.

Both countries can boost economic growth, support high-paying jobs, and achieve substantial emission reductions by co-developing renewable energy infrastructure. Additionally, joint research between American and Chinese academic institutions could open new avenues for innovation, driving critical advancements in renewable energy and clean technology.

Critics argue that collaboration might create an overreliance on China. However, such a partnership could empower the U.S. to establish a more resilient domestic supply chain, thereby reducing the need for reliance on foreign manufacturers. Although U.S. policies restrict Chinese involvement in domestic manufacturing, the U.S. still depends on foreign sources for critical components, particularly solar panels.

Collaborative efforts would bolster American self-sufficiency, enhancing economic stability. Moreover, adopting innovative Chinese technologies—such as advancements in pollution reduction for coal plants—has already proven beneficial, as similar projects in the Midwest have generated skilled manufacturing jobs, with each facility creating employment for dozens.

The Biden administration’s climate agenda has laid a strong foundation for climate action. Still, deeper collaboration with China is the logical next step to accelerate progress in the face of the climate crisis. A clean energy partnership would allow both nations to foster shared technological advancements that benefit humanity.

Pursuing healthy competition through collaboration could set a powerful example for the rest of the world. Future generations will reflect on this moment as a turning point—when cooperation triumphed over division to create a more sustainable, habitable planet. As we grapple with the urgent climate crisis demands, bridging divides with China offers a path to a more vibrant, clean energy future for all.