Energy In Brief Articles

What are greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?

Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun and warm the planet's surface. Of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, 87% are related to energy consumption. Since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions in the United States have grown by about 1% per year.

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Energy and the Environment Explained

Greenhouse Gases' Effect on the Climate

Levels of several important greenhouse gases have increased by about 40% since large-scale industrialization began around 150 years ago. During the past 20 years, about three-quarters of human-caused emissions came from burning fossil fuels. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are naturally regulated by numerous processes collectively known as the "carbon cycle."

Where Greenhouse Gases Come From

In the United States, greenhouse gas emissions come primarily from the burning of fossil fuels in energy use. Energy use is largely driven by economic growth with short-term fluctuations in its growth rate created by weather patterns affecting heating and cooling needs. Energy use is also driven by changes in the fuel used in electricity generation.

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