Environment
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EIA projections for carbon dioxide emissions reflect changes in key drivers ›
Early 2012 U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from energy use lowest since 1992 ›
U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from energy use fell
in 2011›Energy In Brief Articles
What are greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?
Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun and warm the planet's surface. Of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, 87% are related to energy consumption. Since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions in the United States have grown by about 1% per year.
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Energy and the Environment Explained
Greenhouse Gases' Effect on the Climate
Levels of several important greenhouse gases have increased by about 40% since large-scale industrialization began around 150 years ago. During the past 20 years, about three-quarters of human-caused emissions came from burning fossil fuels. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are naturally regulated by numerous processes collectively known as the "carbon cycle."
Where Greenhouse Gases Come From
In the United States, greenhouse gas emissions come primarily from the burning of fossil fuels in energy use. Energy use is largely driven by economic growth with short-term fluctuations in its growth rate created by weather patterns affecting heating and cooling needs. Energy use is also driven by changes in the fuel used in electricity generation.
Features
Annual Energy Outlook 2013 Early ReleaseReleased December 5, 2013
This release is an abridged version of the Annual Energy Outlook that highlights changes in the AEO Reference case projections for key energy topics, including energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. The Early Release includes data tables for the Reference case only. The full AEO2013 will be released Spring of 2013.
U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2011
Released August 14, 2012
This online analysis of 2011 energy-related carbon dioxide emissions indicates U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from the consumptiion of fossil fuels were 5,471 million metric tons carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) in 2011, a decrease of 2.4 percent from the 2010 level.
Monthly Energy Review,
Table 12Released November 28, 2012
A report of recent energy statistics including carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption.
Short-Term Energy Outlook
Released November 6, 2012 | Next Release: December 11, 2012
Includes projections for energy related carbon dioxide emissions through 2013.
What's New in Environment
U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2011
August 14, 2012
U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in early 2012 lowest since 1992
August 1, 2012
What are greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?
June 21, 2012