USA

Overall rating
Insufficient

Policies and action
against modelled domestic pathways

Insufficient
< 3°C World

NDC target
against modelled domestic pathways

Almost Sufficient
< 2°C World

NDC target
against fair share

Insufficient
< 3°C World
Climate finance
Critically insufficient
Net zero target

year

2050

Comprehensiveness rated as

Average
Land use & forestry
Not significant

Target overview

In its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the US has set a target to reduce emissions by 50%–52% below 2005 levels by 2030 (U.S. Government, 2021). This target covers all sectors and all greenhouse gases (GHGs). The CAT assessment excludes emissions from land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) from this target, resulting in a 45%–50% reduction below 2005 levels by 2030. The CAT rates the US domestic target as “Almost sufficient” when compared to the reductions needed within its borders and as “Insufficient” when compared to its fair share contribution.

The US submitted a long-term strategy (LTS) to the UNFCCC in November 2021, officially committing to net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest (U.S. Department of State, 2021).

USA — Main climate targets
2030 NDC target
Formulation of target in NDC 50–52% below 2005 levels by 2030 (incl. LULUCF)
Absolute emissions level in 2030 
excl. LULUCF
3,790–4,131 MtCO2e
[37%–43% below 1990 by 2030]
[42%–47% below 2010 by 2030]
Status Submitted on 22 April 2021
Net zero & other long-term targets
Formulation of target Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050
Absolute emissions level in 2050 excl. LULUCF 558–1,540 MtCO2e
[77%–92% below 1990 by 2030]
[78%–92% below 2010 by 2030]
Status Submitted on 1 November 2021

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