Renewables generated more electricity than coal in 2022, according to preliminary estimates. Greenhouse gases still rose, however, due mostly to increased emissions from buildings.
The Rhodium Group has released preliminary estimations of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions for 2022, estimating that the country emitted more in 2022 than in 2021, despite renewable energy production surpassing coal for the first time.
An article by Alfredo Rivera, Ben King, John Larsen, and Kate Larsen announces the new emissions estimate report, putting the country’s emissions in 2022 in context of the global disruption caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the sharp emission declines of the early Covid-19 pandemic, and the growth of the overall U.S. economy.
“Based on preliminary economic activity and energy data, Rhodium Group estimates that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US slightly increased in 2022, rising 1.3% compared to the previous year. While this is the second year in a row that emissions have increased, it nonetheless marks a change from 2021, when emissions rebounded faster than the economic growth rate.”
As hinted in that passage, the silver lining of the report is that U.S. emissions did not grow faster than the U.S. economy, like they did in 2021. The unequivocally bad news, however, is that emissions rose in every sector other than energy production last year.
“The most significant increase was seen in direct emissions from buildings, which rose by 6% and was the only sector to rebound to pre-pandemic levels (Figure 3). This was largely due to increased energy consumption for heating in homes, as 2022 reported below-average winter temperatures,” according to the article.
The Rhodium Group’s article, also linked as the source article below, includes specific focus on the breakdown of U.S. energy production in 2022, other sectors, and the ongoing chase to meet Paris Climate Agreement targets for emissions reductions.
“With the slight increase in emissions in 2022, the US continues to fall behind in its efforts to meet its target set under the Paris Agreement of reducing GHG emissions 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030,” according to the article. “In 2022, emissions reached only 15.5% below 2005 levels. In order to meet the 2025 target of 26-28% below 2005 levels and get back on track for the 2030 Paris goal, the US needs to significantly increase its efforts.”
The article also expresses optimism that the Inflation Reduction Act will provide a turning point for emissions reductions in the United States.
News coverage of the report is available from Maxine Joselow at the Washington Post.
FULL STORY: Preliminary US Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimates for 2022
Planning Year in Review 2022: Downtowns, Transportation, Climate Change
Part two of a review of the major themes, debates, and events of the year in planning that was 2022.
How the Electric Grid Can Handle All the New Electric Vehicles
A key question of the U.S. approach to greenhouse gas reductions is whether an already stressed electric grid will be able to handle a whole fleet of new electric vehicles.
The Inflation Reduction Act's Secret Climate Weapon
While the impact on inflation of the questionably-titled Inflation Reduction Act remains to be seen, the law will mitigate the damage done by a landmark Supreme Court case in June that gutted the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
New York Governor Advances Housing Plan Amid Stiff Suburban Opposition
Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious proposal to create more housing has once again run into a brick wall of opposition in New York’s enormous suburbs, especially on Long Island. This year, however, the wall may have some cracks.
A Serious Critique of Congestion Costs and Induced Vehicle Travel Impacts
Some highway advocates continue to claim that roadway expansions are justified to reduce traffic congestion. That's not what the research shows. It's time to stop obsessing over congestion and instead strive for efficient accessibility.
Rethinking the Role of Parking in the American City
In cities big and small, the tide is turning against sprawling parking lots, car-centric development, and minimum parking mandates.
Mapping Sidewalks for Improved Connectivity
A new tool uses aerial image recognition to map a city’s sidewalks and crosswalks. Its developers hope it will aid in creating a more comprehensive understanding of pedestrian networks and where improvements are needed.
Long Beach Residents Oppose Proposed Homeless Services Hub Near Rail Terminus
L.A. Metro’s “end-of-the-line” policy forces people experiencing homeless off transit every night at the same time and location. A proposed hub would provide services a few stops before the end of the line in Long Beach.
The Nation's Most Advanced Secessionist Movement
Legislation supporting the Greater Idaho Movement, which would annex over half of neighboring Oregon, has advanced in the Idaho legislature.
City of Greenville
City of Greenville
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Spearfish
City of Lomita
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
