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Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Union of Concerned Scientists

However, several analyses—including a recent one by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)—have concluded that the IRA, even when coupled with the bipartisan infrastructure act and other federal and state climate policies, will not be enough to meet US carbon emission reduction goals. How is that going to happen?

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Emissions by the Big Utilities: Where They Are, What They’re Aiming For

Legal Planet

For convenience, I lumped coal and oil together as “very high carbon” sources (VHC) in the table. Carbon Goal. 67% cut from 2005 by 2025. Zero coal by 2035, 24 GW solar/wind by 2030, net zero emissions by 2050, including upstream and downstream emissions. Other Carbon Free: 4%. Fossil Fuel Use. Duke Power.

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The Supreme Court’s Latest Decision Is a Blow to Stopping Climate Change

Union of Concerned Scientists

The majority 6–3 decision sharply curtails the EPA’s authority to set standards based on a broad range of flexible options to cut carbon emissions from the power sector—options such as replacing polluting fossil fuels with cheap and widely available wind and solar power coupled with battery storage. carbon emissions today.

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The Winding Path of Australian Climate Policy

Legal Planet

On a per capita basis, Australia’s carbon emissions are even higher than the United States. In 2022, the Labor coalition passed a law mandating that Australia cut greenhouse gas emissions 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. A decade ago, Australia had a climate tax.

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Subnational Climate Action in the UK

Legal Planet

Northern Irish Assembly has passed a bill to set a net-zero for energy-related carbon emissions by 2050. The plan serets interim emissions targets: 55% below 2005 levels by 2030; 65% below by 2035; and 75% below by 2040, toward the ultimate goal of net-zero by 2050. The last coal plant in Scotland closed in 2016.

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Building a Better Power Grid for Minnesota

Union of Concerned Scientists

Minnesota’s current goal is to reduce statewide carbon emissions 30 percent by 2025 compared to 2005 levels and 80 percent by 2050. Both of these carry significant savings: fuel savings from enabling renewable energy to flow through the grid and displace fossil fuels, and reduced risk of costly blackouts.

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How Does Transit Help the Climate?

Union of Concerned Scientists

Improving the cars and trucks we drive has been crucial in reining in transportation emissions, and we will not make the magnitude of progress necessary on climate without just plain driving less. Transportation is now the largest source of US greenhouse gas emissions. Bleviss, 2020 ).