This claim is partially untrue, but needs more context. We as a nation have the capability to reach net zero emissions by 2050, but there is an extremely laborious amount of work that needs to go into this endeavor. In 2015, 196 countries all partook in the Paris Agreement, which aimed to reduce global warming, and limit the earths warming to no more than 1.5 degrees celsius. To achieve this, countries must cut their emissions by 55% by 2025 (United Nations Climate Actions, 2025). Recent data from the world’s top emitters shows that reaching this goal, and even meeting net zero by 2050 is possible. China’s emissions have stabilized as renewables outpace demand, the U.S. cut emissions by 1.9% in 2023, the EU has reduced ETS-sector emissions 47% since 2005, Japan reached record-low emissions in 2024, and Brazil cut deforestation by 36% in 2023. India has already surpassed 50% non-fossil power capacity (Climate Action Tracker, 2024).
Overall, this claim is false but needs to be contextualized. We do in fact have the ability to reach net zero emissions by 2050, and many countries are already in the process of directing down the path of success. But again, this is all still a work in progress, and if nations are able to keep up their efforts, we may very well be able to reach our goal.
