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US failed to lower carbon emissions in 2024, analysis finds

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: U.S. greenhouse gas emissions remained flat in 2024, with a 0.2% drop from 2023, according to the Rhodium Group
Increased renewable energy generation was offset by higher emissions from transportation and natural gas consumption
The U.S. remains far from its Paris Agreement climate commitments, with significant reductions needed by 2030

🔭 The context: Renewables like wind and solar surpassed coal in electricity generation for the first time, while methane emissions from oil and gas declined
However, transportation emissions rose by 0.8%, driven by increased air and road travel, and natural gas use in power generation also grew
Emissions from buildings slightly increased due to higher energy demand during hot weather

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Despite progress in renewable energy, rising fossil fuel use in other sectors undermines climate goals
The U.S. risks falling short of its 2030 target to halve emissions from 2005 levels, essential for limiting global warming to 1.5°C
Achieving these targets requires a more aggressive reduction strategy across all sectors

⏭️ What's next: The U.S. must implement policies driving an annual 7.6% emissions reduction through 2030—an unprecedented pace outside of economic recessions
Experts stress the importance of reducing transportation and natural gas emissions while accelerating renewable energy adoption
The upcoming 2025 climate policy review could reshape federal strategies

💬 One quote: "Reaching the 2030 target would require annual emissions reductions of 7.6 percent through 2030, a level the US has not seen outside of a recession in recent memory," Rhodium wrote

📈 One stat: U.S. emissions in 2024 were roughly 20% below 2005 levels, far from the 50% reduction target for 2030

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