New U.S. Climate Goal Set by Outgoing Biden Administration

Overview

The Biden administration has announced a new climate goal to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 61% – 66% by 2035. This ambitious target aims to continue the momentum of climate action despite the upcoming change in administration.

In a significant move, the outgoing Biden administration has set a new climate goal for the United States, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 61% – 66% by 2035, based on 2005 levels. This announcement comes just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office, raising questions about the future of federal climate initiatives.

The New Climate Goal

The new target is designed to form the basis of the U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. NDCs are national climate action plans that countries are required to update every five years with increasingly ambitious goals. The current U.S. NDC, set by the Biden administration in 2021, aims for a 50% – 52% reduction in emissions by 2030.

Achievements and Investments

The Biden administration has made significant strides in climate action, including rejoining the Paris Agreement and passing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). These laws allocate nearly $500 billion to climate-focused investments in areas such as carbon-free energy, manufacturing, and clean technologies. These investments are expected to drive progress towards the new 2035 goal, even if federal support wanes under the incoming administration.

Confidence in Achieving the Goal

Despite the anticipated policy shift with the new administration, Biden officials expressed confidence in the U.S.'s ability to meet the new climate target. They highlighted the role of state, local, and private sector actions in continuing climate efforts. John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, emphasized that the U.S. has a history of reducing emissions even when federal priorities shift.

The new 2035 climate goal set by the Biden administration represents a bold step in the fight against climate change. While the future of federal climate policy remains uncertain, the groundwork laid over the past four years provides a strong foundation for continued progress. The commitment and efforts at various levels of government and the private sector will be crucial in achieving these ambitious targets.

Source:

https://www.esgtoday.com/outgoing-biden-administration-sets-new-2035-u-s-climate-goal/