Biden reveals new climate goals, aiming to cut emissions by more than 60% by 2035

The White House announced Thursday that the United States will seek, as part of its commitments under the Paris climate agreement, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 61 to 66 percent in 2035 compared to to 2005 levels. The new Trump administration is expected to withdraw from the agreement.

“Together, we will transform this existential threat into a unique opportunity to transform our nation for generations to come.” I know we can do it. We are the United States of America. There is nothing beyond our capabilities if we work together,” Biden said in a White House video.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to develop new nationally determined contribution, or NDC, targets to meet the agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The new goals build on the Biden administration’s 2021 goal to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 52 percent by 2030. The administration will submit the climate goals as new NDC at the United Nations.

“We are confident that by working together, the United States can achieve this goal, and this progress we continue to see here across the country, positions America to lead and continue to promote ambition around the world appropriately,” White said. The House’s national climate adviser, Ali Zaidi, told reporters.

The Biden administration has implemented major rules and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including new controls on power plant emissions, stricter standards for automobile emissions, and administrative efforts to limit drilling. The administration has also favored the domestic renewable energy industry and electric vehicles through tax credits authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

But President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to reverse many of Biden’s climate policies and regulations to promote U.S. oil production. Additionally, U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement may be short-lived under Trump’s leadership. He withdrew the United States from the agreement during his first term and indicated he would do so again during his second.

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John Podesta, senior adviser to the president for international climate policy, told reporters that even though the Biden administration will leave office, it is confident the United States can rally around the new climate goal.

“Even though the United States federal government led by President Trump may put climate action on the back burner, the work to contain climate change will continue in the United States with commitment, passion and conviction. This is not wishful thinking,” Podesta said.