The Long Term Strategy of the United States, Pathways to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050

Preface

In the United States and around the world, we are already feeling the impacts of a changing climate. Here at home, in 2021 alone we have seen historic droughts and wildfires in the West, unprecedented storms and flooding in the Southeast, and record heatwaves across the country. We see the same devastating evidence around the world in places like the fire-ravaged Amazon, the sweltering urban center of Delhi, and the shrinking coastlines of island nations like Tuvalu.

The science is clear: we are headed toward climate disaster unless we achieve net-zero global emissions by mid century. We also know this crisis presents vast opportunities to build a better economy, create millions of good-paying jobs, clean our waters and air, and ensure all Americans can live healthier, safer, stronger lives. The time is now for decisive action, and the United States is boldly tackling the climate challenge. In 2021, we rejoined the Paris Agreement, set an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% in 2030, launched the Global Methane Pledge, and have undertaken additional concrete actions to advance climate action domestically and internationally.

These investments are critical to immediately accelerate our emissions reductions. This 2021 Long-Term Strategy represents the next step: it lays out how the United States can reach its ultimate goal of net-zero emissions no later than 2050. Achieving net-zero emissions is how we—and our fellow nations around the globe—will keep a 1.5°C limit on global temperature rise within reach and prevent unacceptable climate change impacts and risks.

The Long-Term Strategy shows that reaching net zero no later than 2050 will require actions spanning every sector of the economy. There are many potential pathways to get there, and all path-ways start with delivering on our 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution. This will put the United States firmly on track to reach net-zero by 2050 and support the overarching vision of building a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable economy.

The benefits of a net-zero future will not only be felt by future generations. Mobilizing to achieve net-zero will also deliver strong net benefits for all Americans starting today. Driving down greenhouse gases will create high-quality jobs, improve public health in every community, and spur investments that modernize the American economy while reducing costs and risks from climate change. Reducing air pollution through clean energy will alone help avoid 300,000 premature deaths in the United States—alleviating these and other severe impacts that also fall disproportionately on communities of color and low-income communities.

Investments in emerging clean industries will enhance our competitiveness and propel sustained economic growth. Modernizing the American economy to achieve net-zero can fundamentally improve the way we live, creating more connected, more accessible, and healthier communities. That does not mean it will happen quickly or without hard work. There will be many challenges on our path to net-zero that will require us to marshal all our ingenuity and dedication. But it can, and must, be done. And even as we invest at home, the new technologies and investments outlined in this strategy will also help scale up low-cost, carbon-free solutions for the world. We can create a healthy, vibrant, and abundant world for our children. This plan is our promise to them—and it is one we must keep.

The Long Term Strategy of the United States - Pathways to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050