WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 22, 2021) –– President Joe Biden’s commitment to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by up to 52 percent by 2030 under the Paris Agreement — also called the Nationally Determined Contribution — will help the world stave off the worst impacts from climate change. The National Wildlife Federation heralded this commitment, which will create jobs, revitalize the economies of frontline and rural communities, invest in innovative clean energy, and recover wildlife.

“President Biden’s commitment to reduce emissions by at least 50 percent by 2030 will create millions of good jobs at home, while sending a clear signal abroad that the U.S. is back,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to achieve this ambitious, but eminently doable, goal through investments in both technological and natural climate solutions, including restoring forests, wetlands, and grasslands, boosting clean energy deployment, advancing environmental justice, and launching the Civilian Climate Corps.”

Nature-based climate solutions that go beyond renewable energy and electric cars are an essential part of meeting the president’s emissions-reductions target. These solutions can offer the most cost-effective means of climate action, while providing numerous co-benefits to humans and wildlife. They can improve the quality of wildlife habitat and create economic opportunity through the reclamation, restoration, and maintenance of carbon stocks, like forests.

The National Wildlife Federation recently launched a policy platform to inform decision makers about the need for investment in these areas. The organization also unveiled a plan to put roughly 3.5 million people to work restoring the country’s lands and waters.

Additionally, to effectively contribute to global conservation and the goals of the Paris Agreement, it is vital that the Biden Administration support international deforestation reduction efforts through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and adequate financing of the Green Climate Fund.