U.S. offers 28 percent emissions reduction

WASHINGTON – In a highly anticipated announcement, the United States will offer a roughly 28 percent emissions cut as its contribution to a major global climate treaty nearing the final stages of negotiation, according to people briefed on the White House’s plans.

The U.S. plans to announce its commitment today, the informal deadline for nations to submit their contributions to the United Nations. Although the goal of 26 percent to 28 percent by 2025 isn’t new – President Barack Obama first unveiled it last year during a trip to Beijing – the U.S. proposal has drawn intense interest from the vast majority of countries that have yet to announce how deeply they’ll pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions as part of the treaty.

Obama’s pledge constitutes the opening offer by the U.S. as world leaders strive to reach a climate deal powerful and ambitious enough to prevent the worst effects of climate change. In the works for years, the treaty is set to be finalized in Paris in December. If it’s successful, it will mark the first time all nations – not just wealthier ones like the U.S. – will have agreed to do something about climate change.

As part of its proposal the U.S. will also assert that its contribution is ambitious and fair, said the individuals briefed on the U.S. plan.