Carbon Emission
Carbon Emission/ Greenhouse gases
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Co2 Climate Change Global Warming
Global Warming Now A Medical Emergency ......There has been increased in heat related deaths.
Greenhouse gases trap heat and make the planet warmer. Human activities are responsible for almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years.The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.
Total Emissions in 2021 are 6,340Million Metric Tons of
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Co2 equivalent. Percentages may not add up to 100% due to independent rounding. Greenhouse gas emissions from commercial and residential buildings increase substantially when emissions from electricity end-use are included, due to the relatively large share of electricity use (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; lighting; and appliances) in these sectors. Also, if emissions from electricity use are allocated to the industrial end-use sector, industrial activities account for a much larger share of greenhouse gas emissions.
The primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions by economic sector :
- Transportation (28% of 2021 greenhouse gas emissions) – The transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation primarily come from burning fossil fuel for our cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. Over 94% of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum based, which includes primarily gasoline and diesel.
- Electricity Production (25% of 2021 greenhouse gas emissions) – Electric power generates the second largest share of greenhouse gas emissions and includes emissions from electricity production used by other end use sectors (e.g., industry). 79% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas.
- Industry (23% of 2021 greenhouse gas emissions) – Greenhouse gas emissions from industry primarily come from burning fossil fuels for energy, as well as greenhouse gas emissions from certain chemical reactions necessary to produce goods from raw materials. If emissions from electricity use are allocated to the industrial end-use sector, industrial activities account for a much larger share (30%) of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Commercial and Residential (13% of 2021 greenhouse gas emissions) – Greenhouse gas emissions from the commercial and residential sector include fossil fuels burned for heat and the use of gases for refrigeration and cooling in buildings, and non-building specific emissions such as the handling of waste. Greenhouse gas emissions from commercial and residential buildings also increase substantially when emissions from electricity end-use are included, due to the relatively large share of electricity use (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; lighting; and appliances) in these sectors When emissions from use are allocated to the commercial and residential end use sector. commercial and residential activities account for a much larger share (30%) of . greenhouse gas emissions.
- (10% of 2021 greenhouse gas emissions) – Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture come from livestock such as cows, agricultural soils, and rice production.
- (offsets 12% of 2021 greenhouse gas emissions) – While not shown in the figure, land areas can act as a sink (absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere) or a source of greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States, since 1990, managed forests and other lands are a net sink, i.e., they have absorbed more CO2 from the atmosphere than they emit.
Trends
Since 1990, gross U.S. greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by just over 2%. From year to year, emissions can rise and fall due to changes in the economy, the price of fuel, and other factors. In 2021, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions increased 5% compared to 2020 levels. In 2020, there was a sharp decline in emissions largely due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on travel and other economic activity. In 2021, the increase in total greenhouse gas emissions was driven largely by an increase in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion due to economic activity rebounding after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion increased by 7% relative to the previous year. CO2 emissions from natural gas consumption increased by less than 1 % relative to 2020. In a shift from recent trends, CO2 emissions from coal consumption increased by 15% from 2020. The increase in natural gas consumption and emissions in 2021 is observed across all sectors except the Electric Power sector and U.S. Territories, while the coal increase is primarily in the Electric Power sector. Emissions from petroleum use also increased by 9% in 2021, and CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion were 2% below emissions in 1990.
Electric Power Sector Emissions
The Electricity power sector involves the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. Carbon dioxide (Co2) makes up the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions from the sector, but smaller amounts of Methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are also emitted. These gases are released during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, to produce electricity. Less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions from the sector come from sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), an insulating chemical used in electricity transmission and distribution equipment.Coal combustion is more carbon-intensive than burning natural gas or petroleum for electric power production. Although coal use accounted for 59% of CO2 emissions from the sector, it represented only 23% of the electricity generated in the United States in 2021. Natural gas use accounted for 37% of electricity generation in 2021, and petroleum use accounted for less than 1%. The remaining generation in 2021 came from non-fossil fuel sources, including nuclear (20%) and renewable energy sources (20%), which include hydroelectricity, biomass, wind, and solar. Most of these non-fossil sources, such as nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and solar, are non-emitting.
In 2021, the electric power sector was the second largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 25% of the U.S. total. Electric power sector emissions increased 7% in 2021. Greenhouse gas emissions from electric power production have decreased by about 15% since 1990 due to a shift in generation to lower- and non-emitting sources of electricity generation and an increase in end-use energy efficiency.
When emissions from electric power generation are allocated to the industrial end-use sector, industrial activities account for a much larger share of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions from commercial and residential buildings also increase substantially when emissions from electricity end-use are included, due to the relatively large share of electricity use (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; lighting; and appliances) in these sectors. The transportation sector currently has a relatively low percentage of electricity use, but it is growing due to the use of electric and plug-in vehicles.
Reducing Emissions from Electric Power Production
There are a variety of opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with electric power production, transmission, and distribution. The table below categorizes these opportunities and provides examples.
| Type | How Emissions Are Reduced | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Increased Efficiency of Fossil-fired Power Plants and Fuel Switching | Increasing the efficiency of existing fossil fuel-fired power plants by using advanced technologies, substituting less carbon-intensive fuels, and shifting generation from higher-emitting to lower-emitting power plants. |
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| Renewable Energy | Using renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuel to generate electricity. | Increasing the share of total electricity generated from wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal sources, as well as certain biofuel sources, through the addition of new renewable energy generating capacity. |
| Increased End-Use Energy Efficiency | Reducing electricity use and peak demand by increasing energy efficiency and conservation in homes, businesses, and industry. | EPA's partners avoided over 400 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2020 alone, helped Americans save over $42 billion in energy costs, and reduced electricity use by 520 billion kWh. |
| Nuclear Energy | Generating electricity from nuclear energy rather than the combustion of fossil fuels. | Extending the life of existing nuclear plants and building new nuclear generating capacity. |
| Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) | Capturing CO2 as a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion before it enters the atmosphere, transporting the CO2, injecting the CO2 deep underground at a carefully selected and suitable subsurface geologic formation where it is securely stored. | Capturing CO2 from the stack of a coal-fired power plant and then transferring the CO2 via pipeline, injecting the CO2 deep underground at a carefully selected and suitable nearby abandoned oil field where it is securely stored. |
Transportation Sector Emissions
The Transportation sector includes the movement of people and goods by cars, trucks, trains, ships, airplanes, and other vehicles. The majority of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are carbon dioxide (Co2). emissions resulting from the combustion of petroleum-based products, like gasoline and diesel fuel, in internal combustion engines. The largest sources of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions include passenger cars, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and light-duty trucks, including sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. These sources account for over half of the emissions from the transportation sector. The remaining greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector come from other modes of transportation, including commercial aircraft, ships, boats, and trains, as well as pipelines and lubricants.Relatively small amounts of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2o) are emitted during fuel combustion. In addition, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions also occur from the Transportation sector. These emissions result from the use of mobile air conditioners and refrigerated transport.
There are a variety of opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. The table shown below categorizes these opportunities and provides examples.
| Type | How Emissions Are Reduced | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Switching | Using fuels that emit less CO2 than fuels currently being used. Alternative sources can include biofuels; hydrogen; electricity from renewable sources, such as wind and solar; or fossil fuels that are less CO2-intensive than the fuels that they replace. |
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| Improving Fuel Efficiency with Advanced Design, Materials, and Technologies | Using advanced technologies, design, and materials to develop more fuel-efficient vehicles. |
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| Improving Operating Practices | Adopting practices that minimize fuel use. Improving driving practices and vehicle maintenance Learn about how the freight transportation industry can reduce emissions through EPA's SmartWay Program. |
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| Reducing Travel Demand | Employing urban planning to reduce the number of miles that people drive each day. Reducing the need for driving through travel efficiency measures such as commuter, biking, and pedestrian programs. |
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Industry Sector Emissions
The Industry sector produces the goods and raw materials we use every day. The greenhouse gases emitted during industrial production are split into two categories: direct emissions that are produced at the facility, and indirect emissions that occur off site but are associated with the facility's use of electricity.
Direct emissions are produced by burning fuel for power or heat, through chemical reactions, and from leaks from industrial processes or equipment. Most direct emissions come from the consumption of fossil fuels for energy. A smaller amount of direct emissions, roughly one third, come from leaks from natural gas and petroleum systems, the use of fuels in production (e.g., petroleum products used to make plastics), and chemical reactions during the production of chemicals, metals (e.g., iron and steel), and minerals (e.g., cement).
Indirect emissions are produced by burning fossil fuel at a power plant to make electricity, which is then used by an industrial facility to power industrial buildings and machinery.
Trends
In 2021, direct industrial greenhouse gas emissions accounted for 23% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the third largest contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, after the Transportation and Electric Power sectors. From 2020 to 2021, total energy use in the industrial sector increased by just over 1%. Including both direct emissions and indirect emissions associated with electricity use, industry's share of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 was 30%, making it the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions of any sector. Total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from industry, including electricity, have declined by 14% since 1990.
| Type | How Emissions Are Reduced | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Upgrading to more efficient industrial technology. | Identifying ways that manufactures can use less energy for industrial processes and to run equipment. |
| Fuel Switching | Switching to fuels that result in less CO2 emissions but the same amount of energy, when combusted. | Using natural gas instead of coal as process input. |
| Recycling | Producing industrial products from materials that are recycled or renewable, rather than producing new products from raw materials. | Using scrap steel and scrap aluminum as opposed to smelting new aluminum or forging new steel. |
| Training and Awareness | Making companies and workers aware of the steps to reduce or prevent emissions leaks from equipment. | Instituting handling policies and procedures for perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) that reduce occurrences of accidental releases and leaks from containers and equipment. |
Direct emissions are produced from residential and commercial activities in a variety of ways:
- Combustion of natural gas and petroleum products for heating and cooking emits carbon dioxide (Co2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Emissions from natural gas consumption represent 80 % of the direct fossil fuel CO2 emissions from the residential and commercial sector in 2021. Coal consumption is a minor component of energy use in both of these sectors.
- Organic waste sent to landfills emits CH4.
- Wastewater treatment plants emit CH4 and N2O.
- Anaerobic digestion at biogas facilities emits CH4.
- Fluorinated gases (mainly hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs) used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems can be released during servicing or from leaking equipment.
Indirect emissions are produced by burning fossil fuel at a power plant to make electricity, which is then used in residential and commercial activities, such as lighting and for appliances.
Note: Residential and commercial sector emissions presented here do not necessarily represent the full suite of emissions related to buildings and the broader built environment. The commercial and residential sectors numbers don’t include any emissions/sinks from production of construction materials (e.g., upstream emissions from production of cement, emissions and sinks from land use changes, etc). Those would be reflected in other sectors. Also, as shown above, emissions from these sectors include other emissions that do not occur at the building site (i.e., landfills, etc.). Furthermore, energy use in these sectors may also include energy used for equipment (such as motor gasoline used for non-highway vehicles or lawn and garden equipment), exterior lighting, or construction. In addition, energy use for some large buildings, such as energy-intensive office buildings and factories with large onsite combustion, are typically included in industrial sector energy use.
Trends
In 2021, direct greenhouse gas emissions from homes and businesses accounted for 13% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions from homes and businesses vary from year to year, often correlated with annual fluctuations in energy use caused primarily by weather conditions. Total residential and commercial greenhouse gas emissions, including direct and indirect emissions, in 2021 have decreased by 2% since 1990. Greenhouse gas emissions from on-site direct emissions in homes and businesses have increased by 2% since 1990. Additionally, indirect emissions from electricity use by homes and businesses increased from 1990 to 2007 but have decreased since then to approximately 4% below 1990 levels in 2021.
Reducing Emissions from Homes and Businesses
| Type | How Emissions Are Reduced | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Homes and Commercial Buildings | Reducing energy use through energy efficiency. | Homes and commercial buildings use large amounts of energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and other functions. Energy-efficient building practices and retrofits can allow new and existing buildings to use less energy to accomplish the same functions, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Techniques to improve building energy efficiency include better insulation and building envelope improvements; more energy-efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems; efficient LED lighting; passive heating and lighting to take advantage of sunlight; and the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and electronics. |
| Wastewater Treatment | Making water and wastewater systems more energy-efficient. | Drinking water and wastewater systems account for approximately 2% of energy use. By incorporating energy efficiency practices into their water and wastewater plant, municipalities and utilities can save 15 to 30% in energy use. |
| Waste Management | Reducing solid waste sent to landfills. Capturing and using methane produced in current landfills. | When solid waste decomposes in landfills, it creates landfill gas, which is primarily comprised of CO2 and CH4. There are a number of well established, low-cost methods to reduce greenhouse gases from consumer waste, including recycling programs, waste reduction programs, and landfill methane capture programs.
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| Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Reducing leakage from air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Using refrigerants with lower global warming potentials. | Commonly used refrigerants in homes and businesses include ozone-depleting refrigerants, and blends consisting entirely or primarily of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Both HCFCs and HFCs are potent greenhouse gases. In recent years there have been several advancements in air conditioning and refrigeration technology that can help homes and businesses reduce both refrigerant charges and refrigerant emissions. For instance, in the retail food sector, GreenChill Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from supermarkets. |
- Various management practices on agricultural soils can lead to increased availability of nitrogen in the soil and result in emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O). Specific activities that contribute to N2O emissions from agricultural lands include the application of synthetic and organic fertilizers, the growth of nitrogen-fixing crops, the drainage of organic soils, and irrigation practices. Management of agricultural soils accounts for just over half of the greenhouse gas emissions from the Agriculture sector.
- Livestock, especially ruminants such as cattle, produce methane gas (CH4) as part of their normal digestive processes. This process is called enteric fermentation, and it represents over a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions from the Agriculture sector.
- The way in which manure from livestock is managed also contributes to CH4 and N2O emissions. Different manure treatment and storage methods affect how much of these greenhouse gases are produced. Manure management accounts for about 11% of the total greenhouse gas emissions from the Agriculture sector.
- Smaller sources of agricultural emissions include CO2 from liming and urea application, CH4 from rice cultivation, and burning crop residues, which produces CH4 and N2O.
Trends
In 2021, greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector accounted for 10% of total. greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture have increased by 7% since 1990. Agricultural soil management activities, such as application of synthetic and organic fertilizers, deposition of livestock manure, and growing nitrogen fixing plants, were the largest contributors to U.S. N2O emissions in 2021, accounting for 75% of total N2O emissions. Emissions from other agricultural sources have generally remained flat or changed by a relatively small amount since 1990.
| Type | How Emissions Are Reduced | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Land and Crop Management | Adjusting the methods for managing land and growing crops. |
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| Livestock Management | Adjusting feeding practices and other management methods to reduce the amount of methane resulting from enteric fermentation. |
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| Manure Management |
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Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry Sector Emissions and Sequestration
Plants absorb carbon dioxide (Co2) from the atmosphere as they grow, and they store some of this carbon as perennial aboveground and belowground biomass throughout their lifetime. Soils and dead organic matter/litter can also store some of the carbon from these plants depending on how the soil is managed and other environmental conditions (e.g., climate). This storage of carbon in plants, dead organic matter/litter and soils is called biological carbon sequestration. Because biological sequestration takes CO2 out of the atmosphere and stores it in these carbon pools, it is also called a carbon "sink."
Emissions or sequestration of CO2, as well as emissions of CH4 and N2O, can occur from management of lands in their current use or as lands are converted to other land uses. Carbon dioxide is exchanged between the atmosphere and the plants and soils on land, for example, as cropland is converted into grassland, as lands are cultivated for crops, or as forests grow. In addition, using biological feedstocks (such as energy crops or wood) for purposes such as electricity generation, as inputs to processes that create liquid fuels, or as building materials can lead to emissions or sequestration.*
In the United States overall, Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) activities have resulted in more removal of CO2 from the atmosphere than emissions. Because of this, the LULUCF sector in the United States is considered a net sink, rather than a source, of CO2. In many areas of the world, the opposite is true, particularly in countries where large areas of forest land are cleared, often for conversion to agricultural purposes or for settlements. In these situations, the LULUCF sector can be a net source of greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2021, the net CO2 removed from the atmosphere from the LULUCF sector was 12% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Between 1990 and 2021, total carbon sequestration in the LULUCF sector decreased by 14%, primarily due to a decrease in the rate of net carbon accumulation in forests, as well as an increase in CO2 emissions from urbanization. Additionally, while episodic in nature, increased CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions from forest fires have also occurred over the time series.
In the LULUCF sector, opportunities exist to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the potential to sequester carbon from the atmosphere by enhancing sinks. The table shown below provides some examples of opportunities for both reducing emissions and enhancing sinks.
| Type | How Emissions Are Reduced or Sinks Are Enhanced | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Uses of Land | Increasing carbon storage by using land differently or maintaining carbon storage by avoiding land degradation. |
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| Changes in Land Management Practices | Improving management practices on existing land-use types. |
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