Drivers of the US CO ₂ emissions 1997–2013

Abstract

Fossil fuel CO ₂ emissions in the United States decreased by ∼11% between 2007 and 2013, from 6,023 to 5,377 Mt. This decline has been widely attributed to a shift from the use of coal to natural gas in US electricity production. However, the factors driving the decline have not been quantitatively evaluated; the role of natural gas in the decline therefore remains speculative. Here we analyse the factors affecting US emissions from 1997 to 2013. Before 2007, rising emissions were primarily driven by economic growth. After 2007, decreasing emissions were largely a result of economic recession with changes in fuel mix (for example, substitution of natural gas for coal) playing a comparatively minor role. Energy–climate policies may, therefore, be necessary to lock-in the recent emissions reductions and drive further decarbonization of the energy system as the US economy recovers and grows.

Abstract

US CO ₂ emissions dropped ∼11% between 2007 and 2013; a trend widely attributed to the increased use of natural gas over coal, yet the drivers behind this decline remain unquantified. Here, the authors analyse the drivers and show that the recent economic downturn is primarily responsible for the emissions drop.