The US has said that it will cut its planet-heating emissions by at least 50% by the end of 2030.

The White House said today, ahead of a climate summit, that the US will cut it emissions by between 50-52% based on 2005 levels.

An official from the White House said: “The United States isn’t going to wait, the costs of delay are too great and our nation is resolved to act right now.”

“This new target gives us significant leverage to push for climate action abroad. Every ton of reductions achieved in the United States has a multiplier effect in inspiring climate action overseas.”

President Biden said: “All of us, and particularly those of us who represent the world’s largest economies, we have to step up. Those that do take action and make bold investments in their people, and the clean energy future, will win the good jobs of tomorrow, and make their economies more resilient, more competitive.”

The US is hoping that their bold new targets will encourage countries such as China and India to make similar targets ahead of the COP 26 meeting, which will be held in Glasgow this November.

Nathaniel Keohane from the US Environmental Defense Fund, commented on the US’ move: “By announcing a bold target of cutting emissions 50-52% below 2005 by the end of the decade, President Biden has met the moment and the urgency that the climate crisis demands.”

“This target aligns with what the science says is necessary to put the world on the path to a safer climate, and vaults the US into the top tier of world leaders on climate ambition.”