US updates NDC, plans to cut emissions 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035

Even though Donald Trump might withdraw US from the Paris Agreement, cities, states and businesses are undeterred in following the path set by Joe Biden

Yesterday, outgoing US President Joe Biden announced that the world’s largest economy aims to cut emissions by 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035. This is the new target for the US’ new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), and will influence how the country tackles its greenhouse gas emissions.

However, president elect Donald Trump is expected to change this as he plans to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, and associated NDC obligations. 

But all don’t seem to agree with him. Cities, states and businesses in the US plan to continue on the clean path outlined by Biden through the 2035 emission reduction plan. If this indeed happens, this will demonstrate that progress on the climate front is not dependent on federal action alone.

US plans to uphold NDC

Gina McCarthy, former White House national climate advisor and co-chair of America is All In, said, “Let me assure our international partners that the United States is not going back, we are marching forward. States, cities, businesses, and local institutions are fully committed to achieving our ambitious climate goals and to working arm-in-arm with our international colleagues to advance the global transition to clean energy. America Is All In and our nation’s clean energy coalition are emboldened by this target and we stand ready to do the hard work needed to achieve and exceed it.” 

In fact, the U.S. Climate Alliance – a bipartisan coalition of governors representing nearly 60% of the U.S. economy and 55%of the U.S. population – supported Biden’s announcement by making a new pledge which aligns with the US’ NDC 3.0. It plans to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035. 

“President Biden’s bold leadership is keeping us on a path to achieve a clean energy economy, and together, the country’s climate-leading governors will carry the torch forward. This new collective goal will serve as our North Star, guiding us in the years to come and keeping America on track toward a cleaner, safer future,” said Governor Kathy Hochul, New York, and the U.S. Climate Alliance co-chair.

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