On the surface, 2024 looks like being a quiet year for engagement between the U.S. and China on climate issues. The looming U.S. elections mean major new agreements are unlikely, while the departure of two elder statesmen of climate diplomacy — the U.S.’s John Kerry and China’s Xie Zhenhua — suggests a renewal of green trade tensions may become harder to avoid. But below the surface, 2024 will be a very important year. Most notably, it will offer both sides the chance to implement cli