(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Statement of SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry on the joint announcement that the United State and China have agreed to ambitious new goals for steep reductions in carbon emissions over the next two decades:

The U.S.-China pact on bigger, faster reductions in carbon emissions is a victory for working people the world over. This climate pact by the world's two largest carbon emitters will result in not only healthier air, but healthier communities and healthier economies.

"We celebrate this victory on the heels of the biggest climate change protest in history, with a huge contingent of working people joining the call for action. We put the wind in the sails of world leaders and the result is more than we might have imagined just weeks ago.

"The Obama Administration has lead by example on climate and we hope more nations will emulate this progress by China and the United States for the good of all working people. A quicker transition to clean energy is good for jobs, for our communities and for a healthy future for the children we love.

"Working people and people who care about the environment will act more vigorously than ever before now to support these strong steps forward on clean energy and clean jobs."

"

###