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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: President Biden announced a new climate target for the U.S., aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035
• This announcement comes as Biden prepares to leave office, with President-elect Trump vowing to dismantle many of Biden’s climate policies
• Analysts highlight that achieving these ambitious goals would require unprecedented efforts, especially under nonfederal leadership
🔭 The context: Biden’s goal builds on his 2021 pledge of a 50-52% emissions cut by 2030, a target the U.S. is already off track to meet
• Landmark policies like the Inflation Reduction Act and clean energy tax credits have driven progress, though Trump has pledged to repeal them
• Meanwhile, other nations like the UK have announced ambitious climate targets, spotlighting global efforts to curb emissions
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The new goal underscores the urgency of reducing emissions to combat climate change
• However, political shifts risk derailing U.S. progress, with potential global repercussions given America's significant role in global emissions
• Collaboration between states, cities, and corporations will be essential to maintaining momentum
⏭️ What’s next: Biden plans to formalize the target with the UN, though Trump’s incoming administration threatens to withdraw from the Paris Agreement again
• States like California and groups like the U.S. Climate Alliance have pledged to uphold ambitious climate policies independently
• Over the next decade, two presidential elections will determine the U.S.’s ability to meet its 2035 target
💬 One quote: “The 2035 climate target can serve as a North Star for states, cities and corporations that are committed to climate action,” - Manish Bapna, President of the NRDC
📈 One stat: The Rhodium Group projects U.S. emissions cuts of 38-56% below 2005 levels by 2035 under current and planned policies
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