The U.S. government today pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions 61–66 percent by 2035 below 2005 levels, joining other nations in ratcheting up climate goals as called for in the 2015 Paris Agreement, which was signed nine years ago this month. 

A statement follows from Manish Bapna, president of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council): 

“As the world’s largest producer of oil, the largest producer and exporter of fossil gas, and the largest historical climate polluter, the United States has an outsized responsibility to press forward in the climate fight no matter the political headwinds. And it is in the country’s economic self-interest to ensure America is not left behind as the world transitions to clean energy. 

“While the incoming administration has vowed to turn its back on the world—again—the majority of Americans want climate action and the clean energy boom is unstoppable. The 2035 climate target can serve as a North Star for states, cities and corporations that are committed to climate action, and ready to accelerate progress outside of Washington, D.C. This is a signal for governors, mayors and CEOs who are eager to embrace this opportunity to lead by defending and stepping up climate progress, and reaping the economic and social benefits that come with it. In doing so, they can uphold the spirit of the Paris Agreement, and keep America’s promise to the world. 

“That’s the direction the marketplace is already moving, and the economics of climate action are on our side. More and more people across the country are seeing that clean energy is supporting millions of jobs and lowering household energy costs nationwide—and they do not want to give that up. 

“At the same time, more and more people are feeling dire consequences of more extreme weather events firsthand, from wildfires to hurricanes and flooding, with low-income communities and communities of color on the frontlines. They deserve action. 

“It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ the U.S. meets this new goal—and whether it will be quick enough to avert the worst of the climate crisis, and seize the immense economic opportunity that comes with it.”