California Struggles to Meet Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

Despite efforts, California is not on track to meet its ambitious 2030 climate targets, requiring a significant acceleration in carbon reduction efforts.

• California must triple its carbon reduction efforts to meet its 2030 goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 40% of 1990 levels.
• Emissions increased by 3.4% in 2021 as the state's economy rebounded, further hindering progress toward the climate targets.
• The state has achieved more than 4% annual emissions reduction only twice in the last two decades, during economic recessions.
• California's Air Resources Board remains optimistic, citing preliminary data showing emissions began to decline in 2022.
• Challenges include decarbonizing the cement industry and managing emissions from electricity generation and transportation.

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