Post: Biden White House sets 2035 climate goals

Biden White House sets 2035 climate goals

President Joe Biden has announced an ambitious new climate target for the United States. Unveiled on 19 December the targets include a 61%-66% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.

The new target was formally communicated in an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) toward the Paris Agreement. It significantly expands on the United States’ previous pledge of a 50%-52% reduction by 2030. This accelerated trajectory toward decarbonization also brings the U.S. back into alignment with President Biden’s target of a net zero greenhouse gas economy no later than 2050. However, the incoming administration has already signalled plans to scale back federal climate policies, creating uncertainty about how federal agencies will enforce or build upon the announced target. This places added pressure on states and municipalities to lead climate action.

Noting that State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments in the United States have a long history of climate leadership that has laid the groundwork for subsequent federal action, including the Inflation Reduction Act, Biden issued a call to action for states, local and tribal governments to keep stepping up if there is lack of support from the next administration.

In a press call officials said: “Subnational leaders in the United States can continue to show the world that American climate leadership is determined by so much more than whoever sits in the Oval Office.” The new targets provide a blueprint for action at state, local, and corporate levels and the Inflation Reduction Act has provided substantial support to implement those actions.

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