US-China deal 'significant' to curb climate change: expert The United States and China have struck an historic agreement to cut carbon emissions and increase renwable energy usage. Greenpeace scientist Dr Douglas Parr says the deal represents a shift in diplomatic attitude between the two countries, which have long been in a deadlock on climate control, and will now force other countries to make "decent-seized pledges" to combat climate change. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES.