Energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were 5,406 million metric tons (MMmt) in 2014 in the U.S., 1 percent (51 MMmt) above their 2013 level, the country's Energy Information Administration (EIA) said Tuesday in its report.
Despite the slight increase in emissions, 2014 emissions were still roughly 10 percent below the level seen in 2005.
'Increases in economic activity reflecting changes in population and per capita output, tend to increase emissions,' the report stated.
Reductions in energy consumed per unit of economic activity or emissions generated per unit of energy tend to reduce emissions.
In 2014, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.4 percent, while energy use per GDP and carbon per unit energy declined 1.2 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively.
- 'Changes in energy-related emissions can also be analyzed by consuming sector'
Emissions associated with the generation of electricity are apportioned based on the electricity consumption in each sector.
According to the report, the industrial sector experienced an overall decline in energy-related CO2 emissions of 11 MMmt in 2014 despite a 13 MMmt increase in natural gas emissions.
In 2014, energy-related CO2 emissions in the transportation sector were 24 MMmt higher than in 2013. The industrial sector experienced an overall decline in energy-related CO2 emissions of 11 MMmt in 2014 despite a 13 MMmt increase in natural gas emissions.
The report explained that natural gas has the lowest carbon intensity of fossil fuels and fewer overall emissions compared to coal and petroleum liquids, the fuels it will likely replace.
'Commercial sector CO2 emissions rose by 19 MMmt, while residential sector emissions increased by 18 MMmt,' the report emphasized.
The report underlines that although residential sector energy use is mainly influenced by climate on a year-to-year basis, commercial sector energy use reflects both climate and economic activity.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
gulsen.cagatay@aa.com.tr