The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its latest report on greenhouse gas emissions for the nation, prepared for the United Nations Framework on Climate Change.
The analysis shows that while the United States is making progress in reducing the emissions of some greenhouse gases, overall, greenhouse gas emissions during 2004 increased by 1.7% from the previous year, primarily due to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions associated with fuel and electricity consumption. Fossil fuel combustion was the largest source of emissions, accounting for 80% of the total.
On a more positive note, the report does show that both methane and nitrous oxide emissions decreased from 1990 levels by 10% and 2% respectively during a period when the economy expanded by 51%.
EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said: “Even with a dramatic increase in economic activity, the US is making significant progress toward the President’s greenhouse gas reduction goals,” a reference to a programme aimed at cutting greenhouse gas intensity by 18% by 2012.
The full inventory is available at: www.epa.gov/globalwarming/publications/emissions