December 19, 2024
The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) on the U.S. Announcement of Updated Nationally Determined Contribution Goals (NDCs)

• Statement of President Nathaniel Keohane and
• Statement of Vice President of International Strategies Kaveh Guilanpour

Nathaniel Keohane, President:

“The Nationally Determined Contribution announced by the United States today reaffirms on the long-term goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. no later than 2050. Analysis by the University of Maryland, among others, demonstrates that cutting emissions 61-66 percent below 2005 levels by 2035 is achievable – but only with strong actions at all levels of government and in the private sector.

“While the level of ambition in the newly announced NDC is laudable, much more is still needed in the short run to meet our existing targets. Despite significant progress in recent years, we are not yet on track to meet our 2030 target of cutting emissions 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels. The good news is that investments in clean energy and clean manufacturing are already cutting emissions, providing secure and affordable American energy, and creating jobs in states and counties across the U.S. The task for the coming years is to take advantage of that tailwind – and take concrete action not just in Washington, D.C., but in statehouses and city halls and boardrooms around the country.”

Kaveh Guilanpour, Vice President of International Strategies:

“This new climate target demonstrates clearly that the United States is capable of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, or even sooner. This is the standard against which the incoming U.S. Administration will be judged by the international community.”

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