Delivering on the U.S. Climate Commitment: A 10-Point Plan Toward A Low-Carbon Future
Synopsis
This working paper examines where greenhouse gas emissions are headed if the United States does not take any new action to curb their release, how it can meet its 2025 emissions target using existing authorities and state action, and how legislation can achieve deeper cuts over the longer term while still growing the economy.
Key Findings
Emission reductions of 26 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 are achievable, provided the administration takes a comprehensive approach to strengthening current and proposed policies, fully implements the Clean Power Plan and takes new actions using existing authority to curb emission sources that are not yet addressed
The power sector presents the greatest opportunity for emission reductions. If the Clean Power Plan was further strengthened or the cost of renewable energy continues to rapidly decline, the United States could reduce its total emissions even further—by as much as 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.
Other sectors with large opportunities for emission reductions include HFCs (which are used as refrigerants and aerosols that significantly contribute to global warming), industry and natural gas systems.
Over the longer term, Congressional action will be essential to achieve deeper reductions and drive technological innovation.
With a national carbon price and additional GHG-cutting measures across the economy, the United States can reduce its GHG emissions 40-42 percent below 2005 levels in 2030, and 50-53 percent in 2040, putting itself on a pathway to even deeper cuts in the longer term, while also growing the economy and, in some cases, lowering energy bills for households and businesses.
Additional actions and legislation could expand the United States’ research, development, and deployment programs to spur the adoption of next-generation technologies. This will not only help bring next generation technologies to market, drive costs down through learning-by-doing and help overcome other barriers, but also help the United States remain a world leader of innovation.
Projects
U.S. Climate
Visit ProjectAdvancing climate action on federal, state and local levels to ensure a sustainable, prosperous and just future for all Americans.
Part of ClimateNew Climate Economy
Launch PlatformLaunch Platform Visit ProjectThe New Climate Economy (NCE), a flagship project of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, brings together government, business and economic leaders to enhance global and national understanding of how climate action can drive economic, social and development objectives.
Part of ClimateOpen Climate Network (Inactive)
Visit ProjectBringing together independent research institutes and civil society groups from key countries around the world to monitor national progress on climate change policy.
Part of Climate