The pandemic may have had one good outcome and that was a sharp decline in harmful CO2 emissions in the US due to lockdowns and decreases in transportation. Although it won't last for long, temperatures in the atmosphere are higher than they have ever been. In the US 27% of all harmful greenhouse gas emissions comes from the transportation industry. Making the switch to electric vehicles and phasing out gas powered cars and trucks can help lower CO2 emissions. In 2020 electricity production made up 25% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US. Close to 60% of all the electricity created in the US comes from burning coal and natural gas. Bringing in solar, wind, geothermal and other forms of clean energy can also help lower harmful emission levels. This graphic from solarpower.guide shows which states have the highest and lowest levels of CO2 emissions.
The top 5 states with the highest levels overall:
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Pennsylvania
