President Biden has set a new ambitious climate goal in the final days of his presidency. The United States aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 61 to 66 percent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
With less than a month before Biden hands over the presidency to incoming President Trump, the outcome of this goal remains uncertain. Biden expressed pride in his administration’s bold climate agenda and aims to increase offshore wind energy and reduce methane emissions by 35 percent.
He believes these plans will create jobs, provide affordable energy, and lead to a healthier environment. The timing aligns with the Paris Agreement’s requirement for countries to present tightened climate goals by February.
President-elect Trump is expected to reverse many of Biden’s climate policies and expand fossil fuel production, as he did in his previous term. Biden’s earlier target of a 50 to 52 percent reduction by 2030 was already seen as unlikely.
Democratic climate envoy Podesta noted that climate leadership happens at local levels and expressed confidence in America’s ability to support the new goal.
Source: NOS