In brief
As President Biden prepares to leave office, he has set an ambitious goal for the U.S. to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 61% below 2005 levels by 2035. However, this non-binding target is likely to clash with the incoming Trump administration's stance on climate change.
President Biden unveiled the new climate target in a video address from the White House, intending to galvanize state and local efforts even if federal backing diminishes under the upcoming leadership. He framed the goal as part of the most comprehensive climate agenda in the nation's history, having already invested significantly in clean energy and pollution regulations during his term.Biden noted that while the U.S. made previous commitments to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030, the latest pledge represents an evolution reflecting the scientific consensus on the necessity of dramatic emissions reductions. Nonetheless, despite overall reductions, the nation is not currently on track to meet even its earlier goals.The administration hopes that Biden's announcement will encourage continued climate initiatives across various levels of government, despite the anticipated opposition from President-elect Trump, who has previously dismissed climate change. Biden expressed confidence that American innovation and investment will play essential roles in addressing this "existential threat."However, potential conflicts loom, as Trump's take on climate issues might stymie progress made in combating global warming, raising concerns about the future trajectory of U.S. climate policy.
