Comparison of New Jersey’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets with United States’ Nationally Determined Contribution and Projected Global Reduction Pathways Consistent with the Paris Agreement

Our analysis finds New Jersey’s 2030 goal is in line with a projected temperature increase of 1.5˚C above pre-industrial levels by 2100 (which is in line with the Paris Agreement). However, New Jersey’s current goal for 2050 is most consistent with warming to 2˚C by 2100. This is not in alignment with the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping global temperatures well below 2˚C. To be consistent with efforts across the U.S., including 16 states with net-zero goals (including our neighbors New York and Delaware), the U.S. Climate Alliance (of which New Jersey is a member), and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the State would need to amend its 2050 goal to net-zero emissions. This net-zero goal would better align with the Paris Agreement, helping to limit warming to 1.5°C by 2100.