Biden Announces Major New Climate Goal

With the Biden administration’s new climate goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2035, the question arises: what impact will it have amid potential political shifts?

At a Glance

President Joe Biden’s administration has set a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% by 2035.
This initiative aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Trump’s potential return could throw a wrench in Biden’s climate plans.
The U.S. will submit updated climate targets to the United Nations.

New Climate Goals Under Biden

The Biden administration announced an ambitious new climate goal aiming to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 61% to 66% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. This target was set in accordance with the Paris Agreement to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Signed in 2016, the Paris Agreement seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This commitment marks a significant closing chapter to Biden’s climate agenda.

The plan includes cuts in methane emissions and boosting renewable energy. It promises a 35% reduction in methane emissions from 2005 levels by 2035. Such efforts will be officially submitted to the United Nations as updated Nationally Determined Contributions. The next update deadline is set for February 2025, highlighting the administration’s focus on clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Today, I'm building on my Administration's historic climate record by setting an ambitious new goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% by 2035.

We're the United States. Together, I know we can do this. pic.twitter.com/hyhVJFBrlP

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 19, 2024

Implications of Trump’s Return

Debbie Weyl from the World Resource Institute acknowledges the significance of this policy, stating, “The United States’ new climate commitment offers a clear path forward for states, cities, businesses, and other leaders dedicated to ramping up action over the next four years.”

However, the prospect of Trump’s return has raised questions about the future of Biden’s climate plans. Having previously withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement in 2017, Trump has indicated intentions to again pull out of international climate commitments. His administration notably supported the fossil fuel industry, signaling a divergent path from Biden’s renewable energy emphasis. Analysts suggest that such a shift might undo policies the Biden administration has put in place.

John Podesta, Biden’s senior advisor for international climate policy, argued that it’s not just the president who controls climate action and that state and local governments may continue to play a role in efforts going forward. Time will tell how the shift in power impacts policy in the future.