U.S. emissions increased in 2022, plus climate talks at Davos

U.S. carbon emissions increased by 1.3% in 2022

Let’s look at some good emissions news along with some bad.?

First, the bad: In 2022, carbon emissions in the U.S. increased by 1.3%, according to Rhodium’s latest analysis. While much lower than the 6% increase in 2021, any increase is a trend in the wrong direction. The continued use of natural gas mostly explains the increase. We often see natural gas offered as a lower carbon alternative to coal, and that should raise a little greenwashing flag for everyone. The comparison only considers the burning of these fossil fuels and ignores the fact that natural gas is mostly methanogenic. That means that while burning natural gas is cleaner than coal, the methane leaks during extraction and transport are incredibly detrimental.?

The good: Renewables successfully overtook coal for the first time in decades. We can confidently bet on this remaining the case because coal has been on the decline for a while now, and renewables are getting cheaper.??

Climate talks at Davos mean no more silos

The 53rd annual World Economic Forum (WEF) conference in Davos wrapped in January. It focused on four main pillars: the energy and food crisis, conventional economic issues, technologies, and social vulnerabilities.

With climate as a key subject at the conference, it’s clear that climate issues are no longer siloed. Climate as a topic of conversation used to compete with other issues like employment or inflation, but now world leaders see how climate issues are directly connected to the economy.?