latimes:

Together, the U.S. and China account for more than a third of global greenhouse emissions, and today, they’ve agreed to significant cuts. The deal has negotiators hoping it will inspire similar commitments from other countries.

The details: President Obama agreed that the U.S. would cut net greenhouse gas emissions at least 26% by 2025, doubling its current pace of carbon reduction. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a stepped-up time frame for carbon reduction and for increasing the country’s use of nuclear, wind and solar energy.

Photo: Obama and Xi walk in the imperial gardens of Zhongnanhai, Xi’s residence near Beijing’s Forbidden City. Credit: Mandel Ngan / AFP/Getty Images

A big step in the right direction.