In a bold move, President Joe Biden has announced an ambitious commitment to reduce the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% by the year 2035, aiming to solidify his legacy in the battle against global warming. This declaration comes in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s intent to reverse many of Biden’s environmental initiatives upon taking office next month.
Biden’s new target, which replaces an earlier goal to achieve at least a 50% decrease in carbon emissions by 2030, aligns with a broader objective of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As part of this initiative, the U.S. is formally submitting its updated Nationally Determined Contribution to the United Nations, as outlined in the 2015 Paris climate agreement.
The revised goal sets a target for net emissions to fall by 61% to 66% compared to 2005 levels by 2035. In a recorded statement, Biden expressed pride in his administration’s strides toward implementing what he described as the most comprehensive climate policy in U.S. history. He pointed out ambitious benchmarks, such as the introduction of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy and the conservation of at least 30% of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030. Furthermore, Biden highlighted the administration’s enforcement of stringent new regulations aimed at reducing air pollution stemming from vehicles and power stations, along with the implementation of unprecedented investments in climate action and clean energy.
This action from the Democratic president arrives just over a month before his term concludes. Trump has articulated plans for a series of executive measures designed to dismantle the majority, if not all, of Biden’s climate strategy, as he aims to prioritize “energy dominance” on a global scale.
While Trump has since revised his stance on climate change, no longer labeling it a “hoax,” he intends to overturn what he describes as the Democrats’ “green new scam” in favor of increasing fossil fuel production, which includes oil, natural gas, and coal—major contributors to climate change. Similar to his first term, Trump is anticipated to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement and to attempt to revoke portions of the Inflation Reduction Act, notably the provisions that favor electric vehicles and offshore wind energy.
Despite the foreseen shift in leadership, Biden’s aides are downplaying the potential fallout from Trump’s return to power, asserting that local and state governments can still champion clean energy initiatives effectively. John Podesta, a senior adviser on international climate issues, emphasized that American climate leadership extends beyond just the Oval Office. He remarked that substantial efforts toward climate action are underway at the community level across various states and cities.
The U.S. Climate Alliance, featuring a bipartisan group of governors who advocate for climate measures, has expressed support for Biden’s new emissions target and is dedicated to pursuing it, regardless of federal assistance. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who serves as a co-chair of the alliance, assured that environmentally conscious governors would continue to push for progress after Biden’s term ends. She asserted that the states would rally around the new U.S. climate goal to facilitate a cleaner and safer future.
Meanwhile, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham echoed this sentiment, stating that collaboration is key to diminishing climate pollution, safeguarding public wellbeing, and fostering economic growth through job creation.
Biden characterized the ambitious target as a pathway to creating numerous high-quality jobs, ensuring affordable energy, and promoting cleaner air and water for all citizens. He affirms that this initiative will spur genuine progress by tapping into American creativity and innovation, ultimately transforming the nation in various ways for generations.
The initiative necessitates a comprehensive overhaul across various sectors including energy generation, transportation, and agriculture, with a pronounced increase in renewable energy usage alongside substantial reductions in fossil fuel emissions. Biden has also committed to reducing methane emissions by at least 35% from 2005 levels by 2035, as tackling methane is pivotal for mitigating short-term warming and achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Debbie Weyl, acting director of the World Resources Institute, acknowledged that while the emissions goal is on the lower end of scientific recommendations, it remains achievable if most policy avenues are utilized over the coming decade. She underscored the necessity of aggressive actions at the state and municipal levels to meet the outlined objectives and urged for rapid enhancements in renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure.
This symbolic yet important pledge forms a crucial aspect of the Paris agreement, which requires nations to present Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years, showcasing their strategies for slashing greenhouse gas emissions to fulfill global temperature regulation goals. Countries must escalate their ambitions with each NDC update, with the next submission deadline slated for February 2025.
The United States holds a significant role in global emissions, being the largest oil producer and a major historical climate polluter. Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, emphasized the United States’ obligation to drive forward in the face of political challenges, referring to the new climate goal as a directive for various leaders committed to climate progress.
Bapna concluded by stating that even though the impending administration appears ready to retreat from international climate commitments, the majority of Americans support climate action, suggesting that the momentum towards clean energy is indomitable.
