KarunaNews Story

Per capita CO2 emissions from primary energy consumption decreased in every US state from 2005 to 2023, according to Clean Technica. Total energy-related CO2 emissions in the US fell 20% over that time, and the population grew by 14%, leading to a 30% decrease in per capita CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions primarily declined because less coal was burned in the electric power sector, offset by natural gas and wind and solar generation. Maryland led all states with a 49% reduction in per capita CO2 emissions from energy consumption between 2005 and 2023. Nationwide, the electric power sector accounted for the largest share of CO2 emissions in the US until 2016, when the transportation sector surpassed it. CO2 emissions in the electric power sector have declined faster since 2007 because the fuel mix has shifted toward natural gas, wind, and solar.