Total U.S. Carbon Emissions for 2006

The U.S. emitted 5.887 billion metric tons of CO2 in 2006.

Here are some Department of Energy Numbers on U.S. Emissions and their change over the last 16 years.

MMT= Million Metric Tons.

U.S. carbon dioxide emissions fell 1.3 percent in 2006, from 5,955 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) in 2005 to 5,877 MMTCO2 in 2006.

Changes Between 1990-2006
In the residential sector, emissions increased from 954 mmt to 1197 mmt.
In the transport sector, emissions increased from 1567 mmt to 1965 mmt.
In the industrial sector, emissions decreased from 1684 mmt to 1669 mmt.
In the commercial sector, emissions increased from 781 mmt to 1046 mmt.

Through 2006, total U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions have grown by 17.9 percent since 1990.

The commercial sector has grown the most, 33.9% or 1.8%/year. The residential sector has grown by 25.6% or 1.4%/year. The transport sector has grown 25.4% or 1.4%/year. The industrial sectors decreased .9% over the period, or .01%/year.

Both the commercial and the residential sectors are dominated by electricity. 2006 emissions from the electric power decreased 46.4mmt (2%) and generation decreased by .1%.

Energy Information Administration

Comment:
We have a lot of work ahead of us. If the U.S. were to ratify the Kyoto treaty, we would be committed to reducing our emissions to 7% below our 1990 levels. Many scientists are recommending that we reduce our emissions by half by 2055, or basically avoid emitting 200 billion tons of carbon, or 7 billion tons/year, worldwide. However, increasing appliance and lighting efficiency in all buildings to Energy Star standards could reduce total emissions by 1/7 the amount needed.