US energy-related emissions fell in 2016

The US saw a 1.7% fall in energy-related Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions last year. Emissions totalled 5,170 million metric tons (MMmt) on the year before, according to the Energy Information […]

The US saw a 1.7% fall in energy-related Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions last year.

Emissions totalled 5,170 million metric tons (MMmt) on the year before, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The fall is said to be consistent with a decade-long trend, with energy-related emissions 14% below the 2005 level last year.

Both oil and natural gas usage were higher in 2016 than the previous year while coal consumption was “significantly lower”.

The EIA adds energy-related CO2 emissions from petroleum and natural gas increased 1.1% and 0.9% respectively while coal-related emissions fell 8.6%.

The US transportation sector was the only consumption sector where CO2 emissions increased in 2016, rising by 1.9%.

Emission from the electricity sector however fell by 4.9% last year.

The International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA) recently said energy related emissions could be completely phased out by 2060.

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