The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland has published several analyses showcasing how the United States and other major economies can achieve high-ambition pathways to 2035 emissions reductions that are built on actions by both national and subnational actions. Check out the reports below:
U.S. Climate Pathways for 2035 with Strong Non-Federal Leadership
In December 2024, CGS published an updated analysis of how strengthened subnational action can contribute to overall U.S. high-ambition emissions reduction pathways to 2035. This analysis is built on previous analyses and peer-reviewed publications, as described below. It found that through strong leadership by non-federal actors, the United States could achieve 54-62% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions relative to 2005 levels by 2035 across a range of federal scenarios. These numbers could increase depending on alternate future evolution of technology costs, market forces, and other factors. Previous analysis shows reductions in the range of 65-67% resulting from actions consistent with the strongest overall national effort. Learn more.
Toward 2035: Forging a High-Ambition U.S. Climate Pathway
In September, CGS published a detailed report showcasing that with coordinated action from federal and non-federal entities (such as states, cities, and businesses), the United States could cut emissions by 65%-67% from 2005 levels by 2035. This analysis is built on extensive stakeholder consultation through assistance from the America Is All In coalition. It also included a detailed technical appendix describing the methodology and policy assumptions; an implementation guide; and a listening session appendix. Learn more.
High-Ambition Climate Action in all Sectors can Achieve a 65% Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction in the United States by 2035
CGS's September report was based on our peer-reviewed publication published in npj Climate Action which developed a comprehensive suite of new and robust policy actions that potentially can achieve emissions reductions of 65% (with a range of 59% to 71%) by 2035. In this study, we use an integrated assessment model with state-level detail to model existing policies from both federal and non-federal actors, including the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and key state policies, across all sectors and gases. Learn more.
Enhancing Global Ambition for 2035: Assessment of High-Ambition Country Pathways
CGS has also applied this analytical approach to understanding 2035 pathways in other major economies. At COP29 in November 2024, CGS released a report outlining plausible, detailed, high-ambition pathways for ten major emitting countries - Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, and South Africa - indicating that a potential global 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is achievable by 2035 from the 2023 levels, compared to just 7% by 2030 under current country NDCs. Learn more.