Brian Barton
The United States is responsible for releasing billions of tons of planet-warming gases into the atmosphere each year. While the US is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it has produced more cumulative carbon dioxide than any other nation. The US is considered the largest contributor to human-caused climate change. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US is the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. In 2021, the US emitted more than 6.3 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases, with carbon dioxide accounting for 79% of these emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| US ranking in global carbon emissions | Second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases |
| US ranking in per-person carbon emissions | Largest producer |
| US carbon emissions in 2021 | 6,340 million metric tons of CO2e |
| US net carbon emissions in 2021 | 5,586 million metric tons of CO2e |
| US carbon emissions in 2022 | 6,343.2 million metric tons of CO2e |
| US carbon emissions in 1990 | N/A |
| US carbon emissions in 2005 | Six billion metric tons |
| US carbon emissions reduction from 1990 to 2005 | Almost 20% increase |
| US carbon emissions reduction from 2005 to 2020 | More than 17% reduction |
| US carbon emissions reduction in 2020 | 11% reduction |
| US carbon emissions reduction from 2005 to 2021 | 15% reduction |
| US power sector emissions reduction since 2005 | More than 35% reduction |
| US transportation sector emissions reduction since 2005 | 7% reduction |
| US industrial emissions increase from 2020 to 2021 | 2.6% increase |
| US facilities responsible for 39% of toxic air emissions | 100 facilities |
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What You'll Learn
- The US is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases
- Fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transport are the largest source of GHG emissions
- The US is the biggest producer of carbon emissions per person
- The US has reduced emissions by 17% since 2005
- The US has 100 facilities that are the most toxic due to their surrounding population density
The US is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases
The United States is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, only behind China. The country has produced more cumulative carbon dioxide than any other nation in history, and is considered the largest contributor to human-caused climate change. From 1990 to 2005, US carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption increased by almost 20% to six billion metric tons.
Since then, the US has managed to reduce its emissions by more than 17% overall. The biggest annual reduction during this period was in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused carbon dioxide levels to drop by 11%. Additionally, US net emissions declined by 15% from 2005 to 2021 due to market and policy factors. Electric power sector emissions fell by 36% due to a shift from coal to natural gas, increased renewable energy usage, and a leveling of electricity demand. However, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rebounded by 7% in 2021 as the economy recovered post-pandemic.
The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US is the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. Over 94% of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum-based, which includes gasoline and diesel, resulting in direct emissions. The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions and the second-largest source when indirect emissions from electricity end-use are considered.
While the US has made progress in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, faster reductions are necessary to meet its climate targets. According to President Barack Obama's commitment, the US aims to reduce its emissions by 26 to 28% compared to 2005 levels by 2025.
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Fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transport are the largest source of GHG emissions
Fossil fuels are the primary source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In 2022, CO2 emissions accounted for about 80% of total gross US anthropogenic GHG emissions. Burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation accounted for 74% of total US GHG emissions and 93% of total US anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions, with over 94% of the fuel used for transportation being petroleum-based, including gasoline and diesel. The transportation sector emitted more CO2 in 2023 due to its near-complete dependence on petroleum fuels. In 2022, 60% of electricity was generated by burning fossil fuels, mainly coal and natural gas.
The industrial sector is the third-largest source of direct emissions. Industrial emissions primarily involve burning fossil fuels on-site at facilities for energy. In 2023, natural gas was the highest source of industrial sector CO2 emissions, followed by the sector's associated electric emissions, and then by petroleum and coal consumption.
The commercial and residential sectors also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions by burning fossil fuels for heat and using gases for refrigeration and cooling in buildings. Most of the CO2 emissions associated with energy use by the residential and commercial sectors can be attributed to their associated electric emissions.
While US net emissions declined 15% from 2005 to 2021 due to a shift from coal to natural gas and increased renewable energy use, they rebounded by 7% in 2021 as the economy recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Fossil fuel combustion increased by 8% in 2022 compared to 2020, driven by the continued economic rebound.
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The US is the biggest producer of carbon emissions per person
The United States is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the world, after China. However, the US is the biggest producer of carbon emissions per person. The US has produced more cumulative carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other nation to date and is considered the largest contributor to human-caused climate change.
The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the US comes from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. Over 94% of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum-based, which includes gasoline and diesel, and results in direct emissions. The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions and the second-largest source when indirect emissions from electricity end-use are considered. In 2022, 60% of electricity in the US came from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas.
The US has made progress in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the power industry. A shift away from coal-fired power towards natural gas and renewable energy sources has resulted in emissions from this sector falling by over 35% since 2005. By comparison, emissions from the transportation sector, which is now the most carbon-polluting sector in the US, have only fallen by 7% during this time. Overall, US net emissions declined by 15% from 2005 to 2021 due to market- and policy-related factors.
Despite these reductions, the US still bears a greater share of responsibility for current climate conditions, both on a national and per-person level. The US has already "overspent" its carbon budget, meaning it has emitted more carbon dioxide than it would be allowed based on its population. To limit global warming to below 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial temperatures, the world can only emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide, and the US has already emitted more than its fair share.
To meet these climate targets, further reductions in carbon emissions will need to happen at a much faster rate. The US has committed to reducing its emissions by 26-28% compared to 2005 levels by 2025.
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The US has reduced emissions by 17% since 2005
The United States is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the world, after China. On a per-person basis, the US is the biggest producer of carbon emissions. The US emitted over 6.3 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2021, with carbon dioxide accounting for 79% of these emissions.
The US has made notable progress in reducing emissions, with a 17% reduction since 2005. This reduction is largely due to changes in the country's power industry, with a shift from coal-fired power to natural gas and renewable energy sources. From 1990 to 2005, US carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption increased by almost 20% to six billion metric tons. However, since then, emissions have decreased significantly, with a rebound during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a further 11% reduction in 2020.
The transportation sector is now the most carbon-polluting sector in the US, with over 94% of fuel used being petroleum-based. While emissions from transportation have decreased by 7% since 2005, this is significantly less than the reductions in the power sector, which has seen a 35% decrease over the same period.
Despite these efforts, the US still bears a significant responsibility for climate change. The US has emitted more cumulative carbon dioxide than any other nation, and per-person emissions are also high. To meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, to which the US is a signatory, further reductions in emissions are necessary.
Additionally, it is important to address industrial pollution, with over 100 facilities identified as having the potential to impact a large number of people due to their surrounding population density. These facilities are responsible for a significant proportion of toxic air emissions, affecting the health and well-being of nearby communities.
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The US has 100 facilities that are the most toxic due to their surrounding population density
The United States emitted over 6.3 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2021, with carbon dioxide accounting for the largest percentage (79%). The transportation sector is the largest contributor to direct greenhouse gas emissions, with over 94% of the fuel used derived from petroleum.
In 2018, the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) analysed emissions data from over 15,500 facilities in the US EPA's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). They identified 100 facilities, dubbed the "Toxic 100", which posed the greatest risk to human health due to their proximity to densely populated areas. These 100 facilities were responsible for 39% of toxic air emissions, with more than a third of toxicity-weighted air emissions originating from just ten counties. An estimated 169,654 people live within a mile of a Toxic 100 plant, and over 1.6 million reside within three miles.
The report, titled "Breath to the People: Sacred Air and Toxic Pollution," was produced in collaboration with the United Church of Christ (UCC) and released on Ash Wednesday, a day associated with repentance. It highlights the disproportionate impact of toxic air pollution on vulnerable communities, with higher-than-average percentages of people of colour, Hispanics, low-income residents, and children living near these facilities.
The Toxic 100 facilities reported releasing 166 different chemicals or chemical compounds into the air in 2018, including potent human carcinogens such as ethylene oxide, hexavalent chromium, and nickel. These facilities are primarily located in Texas, Louisiana, Nevada, Iowa, and Virginia. For example, 19% of all toxic emissions reported in 2018 came from 352 facilities in just four counties in Texas: Calhoun, Jefferson, Harris, and Webb.
While the US has made some progress in reducing emissions, with a 15% decline in net emissions from 2005 to 2021, the recent rebound in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing economic activities with environmental sustainability.
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Frequently asked questions
The US is responsible for the largest share of global carbon emissions on a national and per-person basis. The US is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, after China, and has produced more cumulative carbon dioxide than any other nation.
The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US is the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. Over 94% of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum-based, and the transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions.
US emissions have decreased over the past two decades, primarily due to changes in the power industry, such as a shift from coal to natural gas and renewable energy sources. From 1990 to 2005, US carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption increased by almost 20% to six billion metric tons. Since then, the country has reduced its emissions by more than 17%, with the biggest annual reduction occurring in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
