Over 100 world leaders are in New York City today, putting their heads together at the United Nations for today’s conference on fighting climate change. President Obama and China’s Hu Jintao took center stage, making remarks on behalf of their countries.

The international community has suggested that despite being global economic leaders, both the U.S. and China are behind on issues of climate change, and together account for 40% of carbon emissions in the entire world: China taking the top spot as the largest emitter, followed by the U.S.

Today, Obama repeated his dedication to growing America’s green initiatives, but also touched upon the many tough issues the U.S. is now facing in addition to environmental concerns. Still he said, the U.S. and the world “cannot allow the old divisions that have characterized the climate debate for so many years block our progress” and added that all countries “will face doubts and difficulties” as they try to implement change.

Hu Jintao also promised to cut emissions, saying he would decrease carbon dioxide emissions by a “notable margin” over the next ten years, but did not give any specific numbers to gauge these changes. He also added that China will look to drastically grow their forests, increase the use of nonfossil fuels and develop a more green economy.

You don’t have to wait for Obama to crack down on climate change to take action though. Find out how you can cut your own carbon emissions.