Biden Sets Ambitious Climate Target Amid Transition of Power

In a bid to solidify his climate legacy, President Biden aims for significant emissions reductions as he notes a continuing push from states and local governments.

In a video address from the White House on Thursday, President Joe Biden unveiled a new climate commitment, targeting a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by at least 61% from 2005 levels by the year 2035. This ambitious goal is not legally binding and is expected to be largely disregarded by President-elect Donald J. Trump, who has referred to climate change as a “scam.” Nevertheless, officials in the Biden administration hope that this pledge will energize state and local governments to maintain momentum in combating emissions, even as federal policies may shift under Trump.

Biden's announcement represents the culmination of a four-year focus on climate change, positioning it as a cornerstone of his presidency. He articulated his administration's commitment to investing billions in clean energy technology and enforcing tougher regulations on pollutants from automobiles and power plants, branding it as “the boldest climate agenda in American history.”

As he prepares to leave office, Biden expressed optimism that climate change efforts would endure beyond his presidency. “American industry will keep innovating and investing,” he stated, emphasizing collective action from state, local, and tribal governments to turn climate-related challenges into transformative opportunities.

Significantly, Biden's new target raises the stakes from previous commitments. In 2021, the U.S. promised a reduction of at least 50% in emissions by 2030, but experts contend that to limit global warming effectively, emissions must be halved within this decade. Although there has been a downward trend in U.S. emissions, current trajectories indicate the nation is falling short of even its earlier targets.