US following Biden’s climate plan may trigger action elsewhere too

November 4, 2020 the United States formally left the Paris Agreement. If Joe Biden gets elected US president, he would have a lot of catching up to do: First to reverse the Trump Administration’s anti-climate moves, then begin to move the country in the right direction, but he would be surfing a new wave of global ambition.

Biden’s Climate Plan calls for:

• Economy-wide action to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050
• Looking into measures in all major emitting sectors including targets to meet 100 per cent of power generation by 2035
• Increaing energy efficiency in buildings
• Fuel-economy standards aimed at ensuring 100 per cent of new sales for light- and medium-duty vehicle are emissions-free
• Growing clean manufacturing
• Overhauling transportation systems

Contrary to the Green New Deal (GND) resolution proposed by AOC, Biden’s plan comprises more concrete action plans at sectoral level and realistic timelines.

We at the Climate Action Tracker have calculated that, if Biden’s net-zero target in its Climate Plan were to be implemented, this could shave 0.1 degree Celsius off global warming by the end of the century.

Under currently implemented policies the Climate Action Tracker’s temperature estimate for 2100 is 2.9°C (full range from 2.1-3.9). If countries would meet all their targets and pledges (they promised more than so far they implemented) it would be 2.7°C.

If Joe Biden were to go ahead with his net-zero emissions pledge by 2050 and China were to achieve its announced goal of reaching carbon neutrality before 2060, this would reduce our estimate of end-of-century warming to 2.3-2.4°C, putting the Paris Agreement’s 1.5˚C limit within reach. 

If Biden gets elected, the US can spark higher climate ambition in other countries with ambitious climate commitments and actions. His Climate Plan aims to fully integrate climate change into foreign policy, national security strategies and trade. The effect of getting the US back on track can be magnified by its example and its role on international negotiations against climate change.

In parallel, the European Union is ramping up its climate action, aiming for a more ambitious 2030 target and climate neutrality by 2050. If China, the US and the EU would all reach their net-zero targets, nearly half (45 per cent) global emissions would be reduced by mid-century, placing the 1.5˚C warming limit of the Paris Agreement firmly within reach.

This is creating the much-needed positive momentum the world — and the climate — needs. Already in Asia, the Chinese announcement created some regional momentum as it was shortly followed by Japan and South Korea announcing their intention to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 

With those new statements, the number of countries with similar carbon or climate neutrality announcements reaches a total of 126, together responsible for around 51 per cent of global emissions. Adding the USA would bring it to 63 per cent.

We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.