Outgoing Biden Administration Pledges to Slash Emissions by Over 60% in 10 Years

The White House on Thursday announced a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 61% to 66% below 2005 levels in the next decade. The incoming Trump administration isn’t likely to honor the commitment. 

“The Biden Administration may be about to leave office, but we’re confident in America’s ability to rally around this goal,” John Podesta, senior adviser to the president for international climate policy, said in a call with reporters. 

Countries update their emissions goals once every five years as part of the Paris Agreement, a treaty in which nearly 200 countries agreed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Trump has promised to exit the agreement when he enters office.