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Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Union of Concerned Scientists

However, several analyses—including a recent one by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)—have concluded that the IRA, even when coupled with the bipartisan infrastructure act and other federal and state climate policies, will not be enough to meet US carbon emission reduction goals. How is that going to happen?

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What’s the Role of the Land Carbon Sink in Achieving US Climate Goals?

Union of Concerned Scientists

I dug into this complexity with my energy colleagues in the context of their recent analysis of pathways for how the US can meet its goals to cut heat-trapping emissions 50%-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, and achieve net zero emissions no later than 2050. That analysis assumed the U.S.

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Germany’s Role in Climate Policy

Legal Planet

The Federal Cabinet adopts its first climate target, a 25-30% cut in carbon emissions by 2005 under 1987 levels. Note: the estimates of 1990 emissions that I found are not entirely consistent, with one estimate closer to 1.2 Climate law makes emission targets legally binding 2019. trillion tons.]

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It’s Time to Repeal the Clean Power Plan

Legal Planet

When fully implemented, the Clean Power Plan was intended to cut carbon emissions 30% below the 2005 level by 2030. Compliance was set to begin in 2022, ramping up toward 2030 emission reduction goals. Even without the Clean Power Plan, carbon emissions from power generators fell about 15% from the 2015 level.

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Emissions by the Big Utilities: Where They Are, What They’re Aiming For

Legal Planet

For convenience, I lumped coal and oil together as “very high carbon” sources (VHC) in the table. Carbon Goal. 67% cut from 2005 by 2025. Zero coal by 2035, 24 GW solar/wind by 2030, net zero emissions by 2050, including upstream and downstream emissions. Other Carbon Free: 4%. Fossil Fuel Use. Duke Power.

2030 216
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NYC overhauls zoning to boost renewables, electrification

Environmental News Bits

The New York City Council approved the “City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality” initiative and an ensuing set of zoning changes to support the city’s goal of slashing carbon emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2050, according to a Dec.

2005 40
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The Winding Path of Australian Climate Policy

Legal Planet

On a per capita basis, Australia’s carbon emissions are even higher than the United States. In 2022, the Labor coalition passed a law mandating that Australia cut greenhouse gas emissions 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. A decade ago, Australia had a climate tax.

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