The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a climate change bill Friday by a vote of 219-212, which was a step forward in fighting against carbon pollution.

Although the bill was not approved by most Republicans in the House, and the prospect of a Senate approval is uncertain, the U.S. new move demonstrated the resolution and effort of the Obama administration to reduce industrial pollution.

The bill required U.S. companies to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases associated with global warming by 17 percent by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050, from 2005 levels. It also urged them to do so by phasing in the use of cleaner alternative energy.

Although some experts said the target is still far from reflecting the U.S. status as the world's largest energy consumer, some others see some positive signs -- the Obama administration is pushing for using cleaner energy.

The United States, the largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world, has been criticized for not taking serious steps to deal with the issue of climate change. It is the only developed country that had not ratified the Kyoto Protocol, which is aimed at reducing green house gas emissions across the globe.

The Obama administration's effort on climate change is attracting the world's attention, as it is widely agreed that the U.S., a major developed country, should take its own responsibility on this important issue.

Changing economic model and less dependence on oil is a painful process for many countries involved. But in the face of energy and climate crises, the countries endeavor to use more alternative energy and cut greenhouse emissions. They are paying price for a better earth in the future.

As the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol will end in 2012, a new international agreement is expected to be reached in December at the U.N. climate change conference in Copenhagen, and the U.S. commitment is vital to this goal.

The future of the U.S. is closely related to that of the world at large. Therefore, it will benefit not only the U.S. itself, but also the rest of the world.

The world is watching what the U.S. will do next.

Source:Xinhua