Last year began with a warning that the world needs to get on track in tackling the climate crisis as average global temperatures hit a new record. It ended with yet another increase in emissions that trap that heat and add to the dramatic conditions already being felt worldwide.
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions increased for the second consecutive year in 2022, by 1.3% compared to the previous year, preliminary data published by nonpartisan research organization the Rhodium Group on Tuesday revealed. That increase isn’t nearly as dramatic as the one seen in 2021, which saw a rise of 6.5% after the onset of the pandemic a year prior caused a major emissions decline, but it is still higher than 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Of the major emitting sectors, only one saw a decline in emissions. Electric power, the nation’s sector responsible for the second-most emissions, made up 28% of all U.S. emissions last year. However, its emissions were slightly lower compared to the year prior as researchers estimate coal usage declined by 8%, making up a total of only 20% of the power sector.
Meanwhile, natural gas usage increased by 2% as renewable energy usage seemed to become more popular. Solar, wind and hydropower made up an increase of 12% compared to 2021, the report found, was used to generate 22% of total electric power. That preliminary data marks “the first time in over 60 years” that renewable energy surpassed coal in the county, the report said, noting that prior to the 1960s, hydropower surpassed the generation of coal.
Nuclear energy, on the other hand, continues to constitute a smaller share of power generation in the country, going from 20% yearly from 2019 to 2021, to 19% in 2022.
That slight improvement in the power sector, however, is at least somewhat overshadowed by what’s happening elsewhere.

Cbsnews