Energy-related CO2 emissions to rise in the U.S., globally in 2018
by February 8, 2018 9:41 am 296 views
U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are expected to rise 1.8% to 5.237 billion metric tons in 2018 and to flatten in 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Between 2005 and 2017, the emissions declined 14% to 5.143 billion metric tons. In 2019, the emissions will be about 13% lower than 2005 levels.
Between 2005 and 2017, coal-related emissions fell 39% or by 835 million metric tons, and petroleum-related emissions decreased 11% or by 289 million metric tons. Over the same period, natural gas emissions rose 24% or by 285 million metric tons, according to the EIA. “The underlying energy consumption trends that resulted in these changes — mainly because more electricity has been generated from natural gas than from fossil fuels — have helped to lower the U.S. emissions level since 2005 because natural gas is a less carbon-intensive fuel than either coal or petroleum.”
Globally, energy-related CO2 emissions increased 21% or by 6.04 billion metric tons, between 2005 and 2017, at a rate of 1.6% annually. In 2018, the emissions are expected to rise 1% and flatten in 2019, according to the EIA. “Growth in global energy-related CO2 emissions from 2005 to 2017 was led by China, India and other countries in Asia, which collectively increased by (6.26 billion) metric tons, while emissions in the rest of the world collectively decreased by 220 million metric tons. Energy-related CO2 emissions in most regions are projected to stay relatively flat through 2019 with slight growth in India, the United States and China.”
Globally, coal emissions increased at 2.1% annually, between 2005 and 2017. Over the same period, natural gas-related emission rose 2% annually and petroleum-related emissions increased 1.1% annually. In 2018 and 2019, coal-related emissions are projected to rise 0.6%. Petroleum-related emissions are expected to increase 1.6% in 2018 and fall 0.2% in 2019. Natural gas-related emissions will rise 0.6% in 2018 and flatten in 2019.