United States, Canada And Other Global Powers Outline Climate Change Plans
President Joe Biden announced last week that he has set a goal to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 50 to 52 percent when compared to 2005 levels by the year 2030. The president also said he wants to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. As CNBC reported, that goal more than doubles the United States’ prior commitment under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which called for the United States to reduce emissions to 26 percent to 28 percent lower than 2005 levels by 2025.
A White House fact sheet provided a broad outline of policies the Biden administration would implement to reduce emissions, including cutting tailpipe emissions and increasing vehicle fuel efficiency.
President Biden’s announcement came after the United States and China issued a joint statement that reaffirmed the goals of the Paris climate agreement.
The emissions reductions goals also came after the U.S. Department of the Treasury released details about Climate Hub, a new division meant to drive investment in projects that will reduce carbon emissions, expand access to affordable renewable energy, and prepare the economy for climate-related risks. The Hub’s main responsibility will be to help Treasury officials “facilitate and unlock” investments in energy technology and drive an “expedited transition” away from fossil fuels in “high-emitting sectors and industries.” Other responsibilities including using tax and economic policies to support building infrastructure resilient to extreme weather, looking out for communities hit hard by climate change or pollution, and ensuring the transition toward a carbon-neutral economy provides economic opportunities across income levels.
At a virtual summit with world leaders on April 23, President Biden said the United States will partner with other countries to address climate change. Specifically, according to The Hill, the president said the United States would work with Sweden and India to decarbonize the industrial sector, the United Kingdom to reach a carbon-free power sector, and reduce emissions in agriculture with the United Arab Emirates and other countries.
Canada, meanwhile, committed to cutting emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not offer specific proposals for achieving that goal, however.