US gas-fired power emissions scale record highs

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🗞️ Driving the news: The U.S. power sector registered a record emission of 96.66 million tonnes of CO2 from natural gas-fired generation in July, with predictions to surpass 100 million tonnes this month
• The increase is due to the rise in demand for power-hungry air conditioners during heatwaves, coupled with a reduced supply of hydro and wind power

🔭 The context: Natural phenomena like low rainfall and slower wind speeds have diminished renewable energy sources like hydro and wind power
• Consequently, utilities are turning more towards gas for electricity generation. U.S. power sector emissions in July were 26% higher than all of Asia's gas-fired power producers and 51% more than Europe

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: Persistently high U.S. temperatures predict increased gas usage through September, exacerbating emissions
• The anticipated global rise in air conditioner use due to climate change further amplifies summer emissions concerns

⏭️ What's next: Due to global warming, air conditioner demand is surging: a projected 28% rise in the EU, over 200% in India, and 9% in the U.S. by 2030
• This trend suggests a continued reliance on natural gas, particularly during nighttime

📈 One stat: U.S. air conditioner stock alone expected to grow by nearly 9% by the end of this decade

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