A report indicates the U.S. is falling short of climate targets, with emissions down a mere 0.2% in 2024 as natural gas usage rises.
U.S. Emission Reduction Efforts falter in 2024 Amid Rising Electricity Demand
U.S. Emission Reduction Efforts falter in 2024 Amid Rising Electricity Demand
Despite advances in renewables, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions see minimal decline due to surging electricity needs.
In 2024, America’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions faced significant challenges, with only a slight drop of 0.2% recorded from the previous year, according to recent findings by the Rhodium Group. After nearly two decades of stagnant electricity consumption, the demand for power surged nationwide, outpacing the growth in wind and solar energy sources. This increased demand contributed to a notable uptick in natural gas consumption by power plants, thereby impeding potential reductions in emissions.
The minimal decline in emissions reflects a troubling trajectory for the U.S. in achieving President Biden’s ambitious target to cut greenhouse gases by 50% below 2005 levels by the year 2030. Climate scientists warn that all major economies must implement substantial emission cuts in the coming decade to limit global warming. While U.S. emissions have decreased by approximately 20% since 2005—an accomplishment amid economic growth—experts caution that the current pace of decline needs to accelerate nearly tenfold to meet climate commitments.
“The recent trend shows a welcome reduction in emissions coinciding with economic growth,” remarked Ben King, an associate director at the Rhodium Group. “However, this progress is insufficient to meet our climate objectives.” With prospective shifts in policy direction under President-elect Donald J. Trump, who has indicated intentions to repeal Biden’s climate measures and bolster fossil fuel production, the future of the nation’s emission reduction strategy appears increasingly uncertain.
The minimal decline in emissions reflects a troubling trajectory for the U.S. in achieving President Biden’s ambitious target to cut greenhouse gases by 50% below 2005 levels by the year 2030. Climate scientists warn that all major economies must implement substantial emission cuts in the coming decade to limit global warming. While U.S. emissions have decreased by approximately 20% since 2005—an accomplishment amid economic growth—experts caution that the current pace of decline needs to accelerate nearly tenfold to meet climate commitments.
“The recent trend shows a welcome reduction in emissions coinciding with economic growth,” remarked Ben King, an associate director at the Rhodium Group. “However, this progress is insufficient to meet our climate objectives.” With prospective shifts in policy direction under President-elect Donald J. Trump, who has indicated intentions to repeal Biden’s climate measures and bolster fossil fuel production, the future of the nation’s emission reduction strategy appears increasingly uncertain.
