Summary
In early 2025, the United States saw an increase in greenhouse gas emissions for the first time in three years. This rise was driven mainly by higher energy demands from data centers and cryptocurrencies, as well as a cold winter that led to more fossil fuel use for heating. Coal use increased by 13%, although solar power also saw significant growth.
Key Facts
- US greenhouse gas emissions rose by 2.4% in 2025 after declining for two years.
- Cold weather pushed up the use of natural gas and other fuels by almost 7%.
- Coal use increased by 13% due to high electricity demand and expensive natural gas.
- The rise in emissions was partly due to higher energy needs from data centers and cryptocurrency operations.
- Solar power grew by 34% in 2025, the fastest rate since 2017.
- Transport remained the biggest source of emissions in the US, but emissions from this sector stayed flat.
- Hybrid and electric vehicles increased on the roads, with hybrids up 25% compared to 2024.
- President Trump's climate policy changes had little immediate impact on emissions in 2025.
