Joe Biden Reveals Ambitious New Emissions Goal

President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate plan aims to slash U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% by 2035.

At a Glance

Biden sets a new U.S. climate goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66% by 2035.
The plan includes 35% reduction in methane emissions from 2005 levels.
The goal is part of Paris Agreement commitments, which Trump plans to withdraw from again.
Biden emphasizes the role of state and local climate leadership beyond presidential terms.
A $300 billion annual deal has been adopted at COP29 to help developing countries transition from fossil fuels.

Biden’s Bold Climate Vision

President Joe Biden has unveiled an ambitious plan to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. This aggressive target is a cornerstone of Biden’s climate agenda, which he describes as the boldest in American history. The plan aims to solidify America’s position as a global leader in climate action and fulfill commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.

The new climate commitment serves as Biden’s capstone to his environmental legacy, focusing on growing a clean energy economy. It includes significant increases in renewable energy adoption and substantial cuts in fossil fuel emissions. Notably, the proposal also targets a 35% reduction in methane emissions from 2005 levels by 2035, addressing one of the most potent greenhouse gases.

Paris Agreement and Global Implications

Biden’s plan is part of the United States’ commitment to the Paris Agreement, which requires countries to update their emission targets every five years. The agreement, signed in 2016, aims to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The U.S. will formally submit this target as a Nationally Determined Contribution to the United Nations under the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

At the recent COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, a $300 billion annual deal was adopted to help developing countries transition from fossil fuels and adapt to climate change impacts. This global effort underscores the interconnected nature of climate challenges and the need for coordinated international action.

Political Challenges and Future Uncertainties

Despite Biden’s ambitious plans, the future of U.S. climate policy faces significant uncertainties. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed intentions to withdraw from the Paris Agreement again, as he did during his previous term in 2017. Trump’s historical support for the fossil fuel industry and plans to undo much of Biden’s climate work, including parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, pose potential roadblocks to the continuity of these climate initiatives.

In response to these challenges, Biden aides emphasize that climate leadership extends beyond the presidency, involving states and local governments. John Podesta, Biden’s senior adviser for international climate policy, stresses the importance of local climate leadership in maintaining momentum towards these ambitious goals.