
The sharp decline in emissions was primarily from CO 2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and was largely due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic-related reductions in travel and economic activity, including a 13% decrease in transportation emissions driven by less travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. greenhouse gas emissions decreased 11% compared to 2019 levels. From year to year, emissions can rise and fall due to changes in the economy, the price of fuel, and other factors. greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 7%. In the United States, since 1990, managed forests and other lands are a net sink, i.e., they have absorbed more CO 2 from the atmosphere than they emit. Land Use and Forestry (13% of 2020 greenhouse gas emissions) – Land areas can act as a sink (absorbing CO 2 from the atmosphere) or a source of greenhouse gas emissions.Agriculture (11% of 2020 greenhouse gas emissions) – Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture come from livestock such as cows, agricultural soils, and rice production.Commercial and Residential (13% of 2020 greenhouse gas emissions) – Greenhouse gas emissions from businesses and homes arise primarily from fossil fuels burned for heat, the use of certain products that contain greenhouse gases, and the handling of waste.Industry (24% of 2020 greenhouse gas emissions) – Greenhouse gas emissions from industry primarily come from burning fossil fuels for energy, as well as greenhouse gas emissions from certain chemical reactions necessary to produce goods from raw materials.Approximately 60% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas. Electricity production (25% of 2020 greenhouse gas emissions) – Electricity production generates the second largest share of greenhouse gas emissions.Over 90% of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum based, which includes primarily gasoline and diesel. Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation primarily come from burning fossil fuel for our cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. Transportation (27% of 2020 greenhouse gas emissions) – The transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions.The primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States are: This annual report estimates the total national greenhouse gas emissions and removals associated with human activities across the United States.

emissions by publishing the Inventory of U.S. 1 The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.ĮPA tracks total U.S. Human activities are responsible for almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years. Greenhouse gases trap heat and make the planet warmer. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990–2020. All emission estimates from the Inventory of U.S.

This net sink is not shown in the above diagram. * Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry in the United States is a net sink and removes approximately 13% of these greenhouse gas emissions.

Percentages may not add up to 100% due to independent rounding. Total Emissions in 2020 = 5,981 Million Metric Tons of CO2 equivalent.
