“Despite Trump’s Climate Rollbacks, Biden Administration Sets Ambitious Emissions Target for 2035”

President Joe Biden has set a new target for the United States to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035. Despite the impending change in administration, White House officials are confident that this ambitious goal can be achieved even if climate-change skeptic Donald Trump attempts to roll back the country’s climate-action agenda.

The outgoing administration emphasized that the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement is both ambitious and achievable, thanks to federal investments made in the last four years under Biden’s leadership. These investments, including those made through the Inflation Reduction Act and policies at the state level, have laid a strong foundation for continued progress in combating climate change.

While Trump has signaled a potential withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and a desire to prioritize fossil fuel production, senior advisor John Podesta reassured the public that the investments made under the current administration will continue to benefit the economy and the climate for years to come. He highlighted the significant contributions of the private sector, which has pledged over $450 billion in clean energy investments.

The United Nations has called on all countries to submit more ambitious national climate plans by February 2025, including targets for cutting emissions by 2035. This push is part of a global effort to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as agreed upon in the 2015 Paris pact.

State leaders have also stepped up to support the new emissions-reduction target, with twenty-four governors joining forces under the “US Climate Alliance” to work towards achieving the NDC. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of local governments and businesses to continue the fight against climate change.

Despite the positive momentum, the US is currently not on track to meet its existing goal of slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% by 2030, according to independent assessments. However, the new 2035 target announced by the Biden administration puts the country on a trajectory to reach net zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

While the new NDC does not include concrete plans to reduce fossil fuel production, it sets a benchmark for further climate action by cities, states, Tribal nations, and businesses. The Union of Concerned Scientists and the Natural Resources Defense Council have both praised the emissions-reduction target as a critical step towards accelerating progress in the fight against climate change.

As the US transitions to a new administration, the focus on climate action remains a top priority. The incoming administration’s plans to expedite oil and gas development have raised concerns among environmental advocates, who stress the importance of phasing out fossil fuel production and supporting disadvantaged communities in the Global South.

Overall, the new emissions-reduction target represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat climate change. With continued collaboration between government, businesses, and civil society, the US is poised to make meaningful progress towards a more sustainable and resilient future.