US GHG emissions have fallen 9% since 2005

New data from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows a 2% increase in greenhouse gas emissions between 2012 and 2013, but a 9% drop in emissions since 2005. In the 20^th Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, total US greenhouse emissions are reported to have reached 6673 million t of CO₂e in 2013, with power plants accounting for 31% of total greenhouse gas pollution, the largest contributor. The transportation sector was the second largest source, contributing 27%, while industry and manufacturing came in third at 21%.

The year on year increase in emissions is attributed to increased energy consumption across all sectors, presumably due to the economic recovery, as well as greater use of coal for electricity generation.

This year, users will be able to view key emissions data in a new, online Greenhouse Gas Inventory Data Explorer tool. A webinar will be held on 22 April at 1pm EST to demonstrate the tool, which allows users to view, graph and download data by sector, year and greenhouse gas.

The inventory presents historical emissions since 1990 and covers seven key greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride. In addition to tracking U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, the inventory also calculates carbon dioxide that is removed from the atmosphere through the uptake of carbon in forests and other vegetation. EPA has been publishing the inventory since 1994, but tracks back to 1990. 

View and sort the data in EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory Data Explorer by clicking here.

Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/16042015/us-ghg-emissions-have-fallen-9-percent-since-2005-701/