On October 31, 2018, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its report on US greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions in 2017. See: https://www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/state/
US energy-related CO2 emissions fell in 2017 to 5.14 billion metric tons, a drop of 0.9% from 2016 levels. Energy-related CO2 emissions dropped 14% (861 million metric tons) since 2005, and in 7 of the previous 10 years. Most of this year’s decline was due to continued reduction in coal combustion by fuel and in electric power by sector. CO2 emissions from the transportation sector rose slightly in 2017, exceeding those from the electric power industry sector for the first time since estimations began. Please note that before one celebrates too much, the electric power segment decline in CO2 emissions in 2017 were caused, in part, by a slightly milder summer nationwide (and lower demand for space cooling) compared to 2016.
In the longer term, from 2005 to 2017, the US economy grew by 20%, while US energy consumption fell by 2% and energy-related CO2 emissions decreased by 14%. Therefore, US economic growth in 2017 was 29% less carbon-intensive, and energy consumption was 12% less carbon-intensive.
Looking ahead, EIA projects that US energy-related CO2 emissions will rise by 1.8% (nearly 100 million metric tons) in 2018, then remain virtually unchanged in 2019.
While US energy-related CO2 emissions declined in recent years, the EIA estimates that global energy-related CO2 emissions rose by 21% (6,040 million metric tons) from 2005 to 2017. This rise in emissions was led by China, India, and other Asian nations, which collectively increased by slightly more than this amount. EIA projects that the rate of global growth of energy-related CO2 emissions will slow to 1% in 2018 and remain essentially flat in 2019.
The EIA estimates that the 4 states that emit the most energy-related CO2 emissions per capita (in order) are Wyoming, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Alaska. All of these states did reduce per capita CO2 emissions in the last decade, Alaska by 32%.
CCES has the experts to help you determine your company’s carbon footprint and recommend strategies to reduce it that will also save you costs and improve worker efficiency. A win-win: a better environmental footprint and many financial benefits, too. Contact us today at karell@CCESworld.com or 914-584-6720.