The federal Energy Administration has released a report that the first quarter of 2012 is showing the lowest carbon emissions that are energy-related in a twenty year history.

While we would all like to hope the reduction is due to public and industry awareness and action, the truth of the reality is that it is because of three major factors: a reduction in the use of electricity generation through the use of coal-firing (attributed to the low cost of natural gas), a reduction in the gasoline demand and mild winters. Many seem to have turned to natural gas as a possible energy alternative, however, natural gas does produce carbon dioxide emissions. Environmentalists are against using natural gas, as it is not a renewable or sustainable energy source and is not even considered a temporary alternative.

Sources:
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/17/a-20-year-low-in-u-s-carbon-emissions/
http://www.care2.com/causes/u-s-carbon-emissions-at-20-year-low.html

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.