Good news : US emissions are decreasing fast

These are excellent news : Greenhouse gases emissions of the United States of America – the world’s second largest emitter after China – has seen its emissions decrease by 7.7 percent since 2006.

If the downward trend was to keep on going, at the end of the year, the country would emit as much greenhouse gases as it was in 1996. Of course, the Great Recession we are currently witnessing has played a role.

But cheaper natural gas, more stringent environmental regulations, the booming production of renewables and a change in consumer habits played a role too.

David Robert proposed a very interesting article on Grist on the very matter. Make sure you read it entirely.

All this is good news for the country and our planet. But a whole lot more has to be done if we want to have a chance to limit warming temperatures to 1.5°C or a maximum of 2°C.

Let’s hope this is only the beginning for a greener America.