A virtual summit Thursday among 40 world leaders will likely see U.S. President Joe Biden make a bigger pledge in plans to fight climate change, reversing the policies of Donald Trump and raising the stakes for American leadership on the issue.
50% Cut by 2030
Biden is expected to pledge that the United States will cut its greenhouse gas emissions to at least 50% by 2030 of current levels, three people with knowledge of the matter said.
The goal is called a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and could have a massive impact on the world's joint efforts in battling global warming, the sources said.
Climate scientist at Georgia Tech, Kim Cobb, said the plan "would put us roughly in line with the most ambitious emissions reductions targets" that have been mentioned multiple times by environment advocates and scientists over the past years.
For climate scientist at the Pennsylvania State University, Michael Mann, the target is "an actionable goal." However, there are many challenges ahead for the Biden administration, and critics are still in search of loopholes in the plan.
Can Biden Convince World that U.S. is Serious This Time?
One of the biggest aspects of the two-day summit beginning Thursday is whether Biden and his climate change team can convince the rest of the world that the country is committed to the challenge.
Environmental economist at Harvard University, Robert N. Stavins, said skepticism about U.S. commitment to climate change solutions can boil down to going back and forth between Republican and Democrat governments.
"That goes to the heart of the long term credibility," Stavins said.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump opted to withdraw the country from the Paris Agreement, and Biden has some obstacles to overcome despite his move of rejoining the accord.
The new administration has reassured critics and observers that the U.S. is still credible in its words regarding global warming and supporting efforts to cut down greenhouse gas emissions.
Two Unlikely Allies against Climate Change
Another key point in this week's virtual climate summit is the confirmed appearance of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The United States and China have been at odds over the past few years in various aspects of society, economy, and diplomacy. However, climate change is expected to be the common interest that could trigger unity between two of the world's largest economies.
China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Xi will deliver an "important" speech during the virtual meeting.
The confirmation of Xi's attendance in response to Biden's invitation came days after U.S. climate envoy John Kerry met with his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua to discuss solutions for reduced emissions.
The two envoys agreed to "cooperate" in the world's climate crisis, bringing hope for renewed cooperation between the two trade-warring nations.
The summit will feature the first meeting between Biden and Xi since the former took over the Trump administration.
UK Chimes in
The United Kingdom is also joining countries that are pushing their climate targets to more serious ones, as it is expected that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce better goals this week.
Sources revealed that Johnson will announce the UK's target of cutting carbon emissions by 78 percent by the year 2035 from the current goal of 68 percent reduction by 2030.
Britain is under tremendous pressure by environmentalists to up the ante as the country will host UN climate talks called Cop26 in November. Johnson has invited Biden to attend the Cop26 meet.
Johnson along with several others from Europe, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Emmanuel Macron of France have been invited by Biden as well to this week's virtual talks.
Key Expectations for Thursday-Friday Summit
The following are expected to become major points of discussion during this week's summit:
- New emissions reduction targetunder the Paris Agreement's established goals
- Assistance for countries with climate commitments but little to no funds for transition
- Fossil fuel production
- Wildlife conservation
- Stronger climate policies
