Joe Biden expected to announce US emissions pledge

This week, President Joe Biden is set to host a climate summit with 40 world leaders. In making climate change one of his administration’s priorities, Biden is also set to announce the country’s emissions pledge.

Biden, and his climate envoy John Kerry, will be hosting the virtual summit made up of 40 world leaders this week on April 22. They will be discussing the climate change crisis and call on the major economies of the world to join in the fight against the issue, cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the next 10 years. The world leaders will also seek to reaffirm the commitments of the world’s biggest carbon emitters to adhere to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

Either at the meeting or ahead of the summit, the US is set to announce its national plan for cutting greenhouse gases in a span of 10 years. Should the plan, also known as a nationally determined contribution, be substantial enough and other countries will follow, the world will have a chance to meet the goals outlined by the agreement and avoid dangerous levels of global warming.

A United Nations report found that the current NDCs would result in a reduction of emissions by one percent. This has also led many activist groups to speculate what level of emission cuts will the US’ NDC would make up. Activists have already called for a cut of over 50 percent on 2005 levels by 2030, however, analysts believe that a 40 to 45 percent cut is a more realistic goal.

In other news, Biden released a statement mourning the passing of his predecessor Walter Mondale, who passed away this week at 93 years old. Mondale served as Jimmy Carter’s vice president and until his death, was the oldest living vice president. Biden shared his memories of meeting Mondale during his days as a US Senator and that when he was first asked by Barack Obama to become his vice president, Mondale was the first person he called.

“When President Obama asked me to consider being his Vice President, Fritz was my first call and trusted guide. He not only took my call, he wrote me a memo. It was Walter Mondale who defined the vice presidency as a full partnership, and helped provide a model for my service,” said Biden.