US 2030 goals will take world closer to holding global heating below 2C

Joe Biden's target is strongest contribution yet towards meeting 2015 Paris climate agreement, say scientists

The US goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels, will take the world closer to the reductions scientists say are necessary to hold global heating within scientifically advised limits, analysis has shown.

The target, announced on Thursday before a virtual summit of more than 40 world leaders hosted by the US president, Joe Biden, would result in emissions reductions of between 1.5 and 2.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year by 2030, compared with the US's current expected emissions, according to Climate Action Tracker.