United Nations report cites rise in U.S. climate pollution

A new report from United Nations scientists indicates that global greenhouse gas emissions remained largely stable last year, but highlights the United States as a significant outlier. The U.S. was the only major economy where planet-warming pollution increased dramatically, tying with Russia for the highest per capita emissions among G20 nations.

According to the report, the increase in U.S. emissions is attributed to rising electricity demand and policies from the Trump administration that favor fossil fuels. These actions include extending the operation of coal-fired power plants, rolling back vehicle fuel-efficiency standards, and eliminating tax credits for wind and solar projects.

Inger Andersen, executive director of the U.N. Environment Programme, noted that while some G20 members like the European Union have achieved sustained emissions reductions through renewable energy investments, the U.S. is moving in the opposite direction. The Trump administration has also withdrawn from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and is seeking to exit various U.N. climate initiatives.