Kiera Jefferson
The United States is responsible for a significant proportion of global pollution, with a long history of high carbon emissions. In 2021, the US emitted about 5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, contributing about 13.49% of total global emissions. This is more than twice the emissions of all 28 countries in the European Union combined. The US has also emitted more carbon dioxide than any other country throughout history, with its large population, big cars, large houses, and heavy use of air conditioning all contributing to this. While US emissions have decreased in recent years due to market and policy changes, the country's past and present emissions continue to drive global warming.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global carbon dioxide emissions | 13.8% in 2021 |
| Percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions | 11% in 2019 |
| Carbon dioxide as a percentage of US greenhouse gas emissions | 79% in 2021, 81% in 2018 |
| Methane as a percentage of US greenhouse gas emissions | 12% in 2021, 10% in 2018 |
| Nitrous oxide as a percentage of US greenhouse gas emissions | 6% |
| Largest sources of US greenhouse gas emissions | Transportation (28.5% in 2021), Electric power (25% in 2021) |
| US states with the highest carbon intensity rates in 2021 | West Virginia, Wyoming |
| US states with the largest decrease in emissions between 1990 and 2021 | Washington, DC, Massachusetts, Delaware |
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What You'll Learn
- In 2021, the US emitted 13.8% of global carbon dioxide emissions
- The US has emitted a quarter of the world's GHG emissions
- The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions
- The US's net emissions declined by 15% from 2005 to 2021
- The US's per capita greenhouse gas emissions are the highest in the world
In 2021, the US emitted 13.8% of global carbon dioxide emissions
The United States is one of the top three largest emitters of greenhouse gases on an absolute basis, alongside China and the nations that make up the European Union. In 2021, the US emitted 13.8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, which equates to more than 6.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). This figure includes emissions from other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide, which are also significant contributors to global warming.
While the US has made some progress in reducing its emissions, with a 15% decrease in net emissions from 2005 to 2021, it still has one of the highest per capita emission rates in the world. The transportation sector, which includes burning fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes, is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in the US. In 2021, this sector was responsible for 28.5% of the country's emissions, with over 94% of its energy derived from petroleum products. The electric power sector is the second-largest contributor, accounting for 25% of the US's 2021 emissions, with 60% of the country's electricity generated by burning fossil fuels.
To address these emissions, the US has implemented various initiatives and programs. For instance, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a state-level emissions capping and trading program that involves nine northeastern states. The Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) promotes the use of landfill gas, a byproduct of decaying landfill waste, as a sustainable energy source, thereby reducing emissions and improving local communities' health and safety.
Despite these efforts, the US's share of global carbon dioxide emissions has been declining due to the rising emissions from East and Southeast Asia. Additionally, while US emissions decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced travel and economic activity, they rebounded by 7% in 2021 as the economy recovered. As a result, the transportation sector's emissions grew by nearly 11%, and industrial emissions increased by 2.6%.
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The US has emitted a quarter of the world's GHG emissions
The United States is one of the top three largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world, alongside China and the nations that make up the European Union. In 2020, the US produced 5.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which was the second-largest in the world after China.
In 2019, the US emitted 11% of global GHG emissions, which was around a quarter of the world's total GHG emissions. This made the US the second-largest contributor to global GHG emissions, after China (27%) and followed by India (6.6%). The US also has the highest greenhouse gas emissions per person among the top eight emitters, with annual emissions of over 15 tons per person.
The main sources of US greenhouse gas emissions include the transportation and electric power sectors. In 2021, the transportation sector, which includes moving people and goods via cars, trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes, accounted for 28.5% of US emissions. Over 94% of the sector's energy came from petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel. The electric power sector accounted for 25% of 2021 emissions, with 60% of the country's electricity generated by burning fossil fuels, mainly coal and natural gas.
While total US emissions have declined marginally since 1990, with a 3% decrease in gross greenhouse gas emissions, per-person emissions have seen a steeper decrease. US net emissions also declined by 15% from 2005 to 2021 due to market- and policy-related factors, including a shift from coal to natural gas and increased use of renewable energy. However, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rebounded by 7% in 2021 as the economy recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a nearly 11% increase in transportation sector emissions and a 2.6% rise in industrial emissions.
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The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions
The United States is one of the three largest emitters of greenhouse gases on an absolute basis, alongside China and the nations of the European Union. Per capita emissions are highest in the US and Russia. In 2021, the US emitted over 6.3 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases, with carbon dioxide accounting for the largest percentage (79%), followed by methane (12%), nitrous oxide (6%), and other greenhouse gases (3%).
The transportation sector includes the movement of people and goods by cars, trucks, trains, ships, airplanes, and other vehicles. Cars, trucks, commercial aircraft, and railroads are among the largest contributors to transportation sector emissions. Indirect emissions from electricity use in the transportation sector are negligible, accounting for less than 1% of total emissions. However, there are other indirect emissions in the transportation sector, such as those from mobile air conditioners and refrigerated transport, which use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
While the transportation sector is the largest source of direct emissions, it is the second-largest source when indirect emissions from electricity end-use are allocated across sectors. The commercial and residential sector emissions, as well as industrial emissions, increase substantially when indirect emissions from electricity use are included. This is because buildings use a large share of electricity, and electricity production often involves burning fossil fuels.
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The US's net emissions declined by 15% from 2005 to 2021
The United States is one of the three largest emitters of greenhouse gases on a global level, alongside China and the nations that make up the European Union. Per capita greenhouse gas emissions are highest in the United States and Russia. In 2021, the US emitted more than 6.3 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases.
Despite these high levels, the US's net emissions declined by 15% from 2005 to 2021. This reduction is attributed to a combination of market- and policy-related factors. Notably, the electric power sector witnessed a significant decrease in emissions, falling by 36% through 2021. This improvement was driven by a transition from coal to natural gas, an increased adoption of renewable energy sources, and a stabilization of electricity demand.
However, it is important to note that energy-related carbon dioxide emissions increased by 7% in 2021, coinciding with the economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The transportation sector experienced a notable rise in emissions, with an almost 11% increase, while industrial emissions also climbed by 2.6%.
The US has committed to the Paris Agreement on climate change, with a goal of achieving a net-zero carbon pollution-free power sector. To meet this target, continued efforts are required to reduce emissions across various sectors, particularly transportation and industry, which contribute significantly to overall greenhouse gas emissions.
In summary, while the US has made progress in reducing its net emissions by 15% between 2005 and 2021, there are still challenges to be addressed, especially concerning the recent increases in transportation and industrial emissions.
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The US's per capita greenhouse gas emissions are the highest in the world
The United States is one of the top three largest emitters of greenhouse gases on an absolute basis, alongside China and the nations of the European Union. In 2021, the US emitted 6,340 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) greenhouse gases, with emissions rising slightly to 6,343.2 million metric tons in 2022. While total emissions have declined marginally since 1990, per capita emissions in the US remain the highest in the world.
In 2020, the US emitted 5.2 billion metric tons of CO2e, with annual per capita emissions exceeding 15 tons. Among the top eight emitting countries, the US has the highest greenhouse gas emissions per person. The IEA estimates that the richest 10% in the US emits over 55 tons of CO2 per capita each year. This figure is exceptionally high, especially when compared to the global average across all countries of 5.5 tons per capita in 2020.
Several factors contribute to the US's high per capita emissions. Firstly, the US has a large and developed economy, with a high standard of living that often involves high energy consumption. Secondly, the US has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for its energy needs. While coal-fired power plants are gradually being phased out, in the 2010s, emissions from electricity generation were second only to those from the transportation sector. The transportation sector, which includes cars, trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes, relies predominantly on burning fossil fuels, with over 94% of the sector's energy coming from petroleum products.
To address its high per capita emissions, the US has implemented various initiatives and programs. For example, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a state-level emissions capping and trading program that involves nine northeastern states. Additionally, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has implemented a cap-and-trade program that sets a statewide cap on emissions, incentivizing large emitters to reduce their emissions through trading. The US has also promoted the use of landfill gas, a byproduct of decaying landfill waste, as a sustainable energy source through the Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP).
While these efforts have led to some reductions in emissions, the US still has a long way to go to align with global efforts to combat climate change. The US's high per capita emissions highlight the country's responsibility and opportunity to lead in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
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Frequently asked questions
The US emitted 13.8% of global carbon dioxide emissions in 2021. The US emitted 6.34 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2021 and 6.343 billion metric tons in 2022.
The US emitted 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019.
Ten countries, including the US, accounted for 70% of CO2 emissions in 2021.
The transportation sector emitted 28.5% of US greenhouse gas emissions in 2021.
