Biden Unveils Ambitious Greenhouse Gas Emissions Goal

President Joe Biden sets an ambitious goal to slash U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% by 2035, sparking debate on the feasibility and impact of his climate action plan.

At a Glance

The Biden administration aims to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 61% to 66% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
The plan targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 2050.
The U.S. Climate Alliance, representing 24 states, sets a complementary 60% emissions cut target by 2035.
Critics argue the plan lacks fossil fuel phase-out deadlines and sufficient financial commitments to poorer countries.
President-elect Trump plans to undo much of Biden’s climate work, including parts of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Biden’s Bold Climate Agenda

President Biden has unveiled an ambitious climate action plan, aiming to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 61% to 66% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. This target, part of a broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, represents a significant escalation in the nation’s commitment to combating climate change. The plan aligns with the Paris Agreement’s requirement for countries to update their emission reduction goals every five years.

The Biden administration has focused on increasing renewable energy, conserving public lands, and setting pollution-cutting standards to achieve these goals. The plan is supported by key legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which provide funding and incentives for clean energy initiatives.

State-Level Support and Challenges

In a move to bolster the federal initiative, the U.S. Climate Alliance, a group of 24 state governors representing 55% of the U.S. population and 60% of its economic output, has set a complementary target of a 60% emissions cut by 2035. This state-level commitment aims to maintain momentum on climate action, even in the face of potential federal policy reversals.

Despite these efforts, President-elect Donald Trump has been critical of environmental pushes and has indicated his intention to undo much of Biden’s climate work, including parts of the Inflation Reduction Act. At this point, the future of Biden’s climate efforts after he leaves office remains uncertain.

Criticism and International Context

While the Biden administration’s plan has been praised for its ambition, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that the plan lacks specific phase-out deadlines for fossil fuels and fails to provide sufficient financial commitments to poorer countries affected by climate change.

Internationally, only a few countries, including the UAE, Brazil, and Switzerland, have submitted their 2035 emissions reduction pledges. The UK has announced a target of 81% reduction by 2035, setting a high bar for other developed nations.