President Biden has raised the bar for U.S. emissions reduction targets, aiming for a substantial decrease by 2035. This ambitious goal, however, faces potential roadblocks with the incoming Trump administration, which has hinted at withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Biden's new target, formally submitted to the United Nations, seeks a 61-66% reduction in emissions by 2035, building upon his 2021 goal of a 50-52% reduction by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels). This commitment reflects the U.S.'s participation in the Paris Agreement, requiring nations to update their emission reduction contributions every five years.
This amplified commitment comes amidst concerns about the future of U.S. involvement in the Paris Agreement. During his campaign, President-elect Trump expressed his intention to withdraw from the treaty upon taking office. Such a move would significantly impact Biden's climate goals and the nation's role in global climate action.
The Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty adopted in 2015, unites nearly 195 countries in combating climate change. The U.S., initially joining under President Obama in 2016, withdrew during Trump's first term in 2020, and rejoined under Biden. A potential second withdrawal under Trump could proceed more swiftly than the first, and he could also submit the treaty to the Senate, requiring a two-thirds vote for re-entry, creating a challenge for future administrations.
This potential withdrawal casts a shadow over the progress made in setting ambitious climate targets. The future of the U.S.'s commitment to international climate cooperation remains uncertain, raising questions about the long-term impact on global efforts to address climate change.
