Business Coalition Urges Biden Administration to Halve Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2030

Strategic Insights -

A coalition of more than 300 prominent businesses, including Apple Inc., Nike Inc., and McDonald's Corp., has sent a letter to the Biden administration, urging it to set a more ambitious target for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The businesses, which collectively represent over $3 trillion in revenue and employ 6 million Americans, are pushing for a 50% cut in emissions by the end of the decade, far exceeding the previous target of 26-28% reduction from 2005 levels. The letter, organized by Ceres and We Mean Business, highlights the importance of a bold national climate strategy in driving new investment, creating jobs, and inspiring international cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The coalition of 300 businesses, including Apple, Nike, and McDonald's, has urged the Biden administration to set a 50% reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
  • The businesses represent over $3 trillion in revenue and employ 6 million Americans in all 50 states.
  • The coalition notes that many of its members have already set emission reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement, including a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • The letter suggests that a more ambitious national target will spur new investment, create well-paying jobs, and inspire additional action from other industrialized nations and the private sector.
  • The Biden administration is expected to announce the U.S. nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement at the Leaders Summit on Climate, scheduled to begin April 22.

Statistics:

  • 300 businesses, including Apple, Nike, and McDonald's, have signed the letter urging the Biden administration to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
  • $3 trillion: the combined revenue of the coalition's member businesses.
  • 6 million: the number of jobs held by employees of the coalition's member businesses across all 50 states.
  • 26-28%: the previous target for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, set by the Obama administration.
  • 50%: the proposed reduction target in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, urged by the coalition.
  • 2050: the goal year for achieving net-zero emissions, set by many of the coalition's member businesses in line with the Paris Agreement.

Sources:

  • CQ News
  • The Congressional Quarterly Inc.