Can we cut our carbon emissions while staying competitive with China? Can we convince them to cut theirs? How?

If you want to cut emissions to the point that it will make a difference than say goodbye to your iphone, and say hello to trees

First of all, this is the internet. It's Global, not just the United states. So start by asking if the United Stated can cut carbon emissions while staying competitive.

Second I'm going to laugh at the two other answers. One using then when they should use than and the other using than when they should be using then.

Both are also wrong.

The answer is yes, it's becoming increasingly possible as consumers and stakeholders increase pressure on companies to act environmentally and socially responsible. Take this example.

Two competing companies sell water. A and B. Both have the same costs except for the fact that A spends more money to create biodegradable plastic bottles. at first thought you would think A would compensate by selling their bottles for more than B.

In reality ceteris paribus, it would be wisest to sell for the same price. When given the choice most consumers (and this trend is increasing) would choose the product sold by A as the cost is the same but they get to feel good about a cause. Therefore A gets a larger market share and ultimately a higher profit than they would through trying a cost leadership strategy and starting a price war.

The success of business in a market economy drives that countries economic power. It's all about attitudes, and actually has little connection to emissions. Provide benefits or incentives and the market will swing where the carrot does.

Oh and don't forget marketing theories too.

Having said all that, it's way easier said than done; but the bottom line is that it is more than possible in the long term.

It's one or the other we can not have both low emission son compete with them. Besides our emissions are already lower then China.