The US has formally submitted its 2020 mitigation targets to the UN, ahead of the January 31 deadline agreed in the Copenhagen Accord.

The US's 17% target on 2005 baseline, was officially declared as:

• In the range of 17%, in conformity with anticipated U.S. energy and climate legislation, recognizing that the final target will be reportedto the Secretariat in light of enacted legislation.  
• The pathway set forth in pending legislation would entail a 30% reduction in 2025 and a 42% reduction in 2030, in line with the goal to reduce emissions 83% by 2050.

Todd Stern, the US Special Envoy on Climate Change said in a statement that

'The U.S. submission reflects President Obama's continued commitment to meeting the climate change and clean energy challenge through robust domestic and international action that will strengthen our economy, enhance our national security and protect our environment.'

The US used the submission of targets to also officially 'associate' itself with the Accord, and urged other countries to do the same so that its 'landmark provisions can be implemented'.  Others have also urged association to the Accord, including India's Environment Minister who stated earlier this month that 'the main challenge is that an agreement by 29 countries needs to be converted into one by 194 countries.'

The EU submitted its target to the UN secretariat on January 28. Others are expected to come forward around January 31.

Related links

U.S. pledges 17 percent emissions reduction by 2020, Washington Post, 29 January

Obama sees the positives as US gives formal notice on greenhouse gases, The Guardian 29 January