Total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. 1990-2020

In 2020, greenhouse gas emissions in the United States totaled 5.98 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e). This was a decrease of roughly nine percent compared with 2019 levels. This dramatic reduction was a direct result of the COVID-19-related lockdowns and restrictions imposed throughout the year.

Annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions peaked in 2007, at 7.46 GtCO2e. Since then, emissions have fallen by roughly 20 percent. In light of the climate crisis, the U.S. has set the target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, emissions will need to be cut by at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.