US to lead climate change charge

The United States is ready to lead the fight against climate change, US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu said yesterday in Beijing.

"The US is trying to show some leadership I'm here today to tell you that the US is now ready to lead," said Chu, the 1997 Nobel Laureate in Physics, during his speech to students at Tsinghua University.

The US is in the process of setting itself targets to cut emissions by 83 percent by 2050 from its 2005 levels as part of its landmark climate and energy bill, which is awaiting approval from the Senate.