WASHINGTON (AP) — A shift in trend has emerged, as the United States experienced a 2.4% increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025, according to a recent study by the Rhodium Group. This increase marks a stark departure from the nation's consistent reduction of pollution over the past years.
The rise in emissions has been linked to several factors: a notably cold winter, the explosive growth of data centers and cryptocurrency mining, and increased prices for natural gas. Interestingly, the environmental policy rollbacks during former President Donald Trump's administration, while influential, are not deemed significant contributors to the 2025 increase since their implementation began recently.
In total, Professor Ben King from the Rhodium Group estimated that 5.9 billion tons of greenhouse gases were emitted in the air, highlighting an increasing trend despite previous downturns, where emissions had declined by nearly 20% since 2005 up to 2024. However, this recent rise correlates with an increase in electricity demand, particularly from data processing and mining operations, necessitating the use of power plants that often rely on fossil fuels.
King noted that the harsh winter led to greater heating demands, primarily met by natural gas and fuel oil, which are known for their harmful emissions. Furthermore, the rush in electricity consumption fueled by the burgeoning data center industry has revived the coal sector, which had faced decline in previous years.
The 2025 data has therefore raised concerns among experts who see the emission increase as a potentially troubling sign for the country's future environmental policies. They argue that continuing reliance on fossil fuels may hinder the US from making significant progress in reducing emissions and adapting to renewable energy solutions.
Looking ahead, experts such as Jonathan Overpeck from the University of Michigan warn that the current trajectory poses risks not only to the environment but also to U.S. economic leadership in clean technologies.
