Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

The dangers of climate change and air pollution are not confined to any single nation or its people. We face them together. We must fight them together. If we do, we will seize the opportunity to build a clean energy economy and leave our children a safer, healthier planet.

That is why these inextricably linked threats are among the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) top priorities; and confronting them presents an opportunity for cooperation between the US and China.

Our countries represent the world's largest economies, largest energy consumers, and largest emitters of carbon pollution. Of course, there is economic competition between us - but we share the same planet.

Today, China faces tremendous air quality challenges; but we are quick to forget that the US dealt with the same issues not too long ago.

Back then, it was great US cities - like Los Angeles and New York - that were shrouded in blankets of pollution similar to those we see enveloping Beijing and Shanghai today.

The US EPA was established more than 40 years ago in response to the public outcry resulting from that rampant pollution in our skies and waters. Soon after, we passed historic environmental legislation like the Clean Air Act and went on to make incredible progress.

Since then, we have reduced air pollution by more than 70 percent - saving countless lives and ensuring a cleaner environment across the US.

The old rule that contends we have to sacrifice a healthy economy for a healthy environment does not apply any more. In fact, a clean, healthy environment is a prerequisite for a strong economy.

From the time we enacted those landmark environmental laws, we have doubled the size of our economy - driving technological innovation, creating thousands of well-paying middle-class jobs, and generating billions of dollars in economic productivity. In fact, every dollar invested to comply with the Clean Air Act has returned $4 to $8 in economic benefits.

China, too, recognizes the indispensable, interdependent relationship between the environment and the economy. Improving air quality to expand public health protections improves and expands economic opportunities, and China is confronting air pollution with increasing urgency and commitment.

Recently, we have seen China strengthen emission standards for vehicles and industries, develop cleaner fuels, make air quality information more accessible, and begin to address air pollution from coal-fired power plants.

And importantly, China is developing an effective air quality management infrastructure that is centrally organized and locally implemented. But there is still work to be done - as success depends on engagement with provinces so policies can align with local circumstances.

I commend China's progress, and the US stands as a ready partner in confronting the environmental challenges that lie ahead - perhaps none greater than the threat posed by our changing climate.

In the US, under President Barack Obama's leadership, we are taking action on climate change. Earlier this year, President Obama announced a Climate Action Plan that outlines commonsense steps to cut carbon pollution from power plants, the biggest individual source of carbon pollution in the US.

China, too, is taking action to address climate change while reducing traditional air pollution and promoting economic growth.

The road ahead will be tough, but we all benefit from our continued collaboration - furthering the US EPA and Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection partnership that has endured for more than 30 years.

During my China visit this time, I have met with China's National Development and Reform Commission to discuss our ongoing work through the US-China Climate Change Working Group.

Our cooperation has reached the highest levels, as President Obama and President Xi Jinping recently outlined a shared commitment to phase down the extremely potent climate pollutants known as Hydrofluorocarbons.

In the end, it is about protecting and supporting our people and our economies - today and for generations to come.

As a representative of my country, as a public servant, and as a parent - I believe strongly in our obligation to act on climate change. No matter where we come from, for the sake of our children we all strive for a clean environment, a stable climate, and a strong, sustainable economy.

These are the makings of a prosperous future. Through continued environmental collaboration between the US and China, it is a future we can reach.

The author is Administrator of the US Environment Protection Agency. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn