03/29/2024

U.S. Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions decreased 2.7% in 2015

U.S. ENERGY-RELATED CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS DECREASED 2.7% IN 2015

  • Energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions decreased by 146 million metric tons (MMmt), from 5,405 MMmt in 2014 to 5,259 MMmt in 2015.
  • This decline occurred despite growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.6% as other factors more than offset the growth in GDP. These factors included:
    • A decline in the carbon intensity of the energy supply (CO2/British thermal units [Btu]) of 1.8%; and
    • A 3.4% decline in energy intensity (Btu/GDP).
  • With GDP growth of 2.6% and the overall carbon intensity of the economy (CO2/GDP) declining by about 5.2%, energy-related CO2 declined by 2.7%.
  • Energy-related CO2 emissions in 2015 were about 12% below 2005 levels.
  • Emissions have declined in 6 out of the past 10 years.
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