In the News

The USA pledges to cut carbon emissions

Joanne Parkinson

24th April 2021

President Biden has said the next decade will be a decisive one in the fight against climate change. The country has pledged to cut emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by the year 2030.

The pledge was made during a meeting between 40 leaders from around the world and doubles the previous commitment made by the USA. The main way in which the country intends to reduce its impact is through the reduction of coal as a major source of fuel, often used in electricity production. Lifestyle changes will also be needed too as cars and trucks will need to go electric.

Other countries also improved their commitment to tackling climate change by further pledging to cut emissions based on previous pledges. However, Canada came under scrutiny with many saying that although their commitment has improved, their reduction in carbon emissions doesn't go far enough and their future emissions will still cause global warming. South Korea and Japan also provided improved pledges to reduce their carbon emissions.

Despite the positivity that a number of countries are stepping up to combat climate change, China and India (the first and third main global contributors) have not amended their targets, which is a concern as they both strive to industrialise and further develop their economies.

For more on this story, check out the following article:

Biden: This will be 'decisive decade' for tackling climate change - BBC News


Joanne Parkinson

An experienced, outstanding Geography teacher, GCSE examiner and Head of Humanities in a 11-18 school. I'm passionate about all geographical events and am a keen blogger.

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