In a concerning reversal of recent progress, a new study has revealed that greenhouse gas emissions in the United States grew by 2.4% in 2025 compared to the previous year. The increase, attributed to a combination of factors, has raised alarm bells among environmental experts.
The Rhodium Group, an independent research firm, found that the rise in emissions was driven by a colder winter, leading to higher energy demands for heating, as well as a surge in electricity consumption from data centres and cryptocurrency mining. Additionally, a spike in natural gas prices contributed to a 13% increase in coal power generation, which is a more carbon-intensive energy source.
“It’s not like this is a huge rebound,” said Ben King, a director in Rhodium’s energy group and a co-author of the study. “We’re not sitting here claiming that coal is back and going to dominate the sector or anything like that. But we did see this increase, and that was a large part of why emissions went up in the power sector.”
The Trump administration’s environmental policy rollbacks, which were only recently implemented, were not considered a significant factor in the 2025 increase, according to the researchers. However, they warned that the impact of these policies may become more evident in the coming years.
Despite the setback, the study also highlighted positive developments, such as a 34% jump in solar power generation, which surpassed hydroelectric power. Zero-carbon emitting energy sources now supply 42% of the US power grid.
“The economic case for adding renewables is quite strong still,” King said. “This stuff is cost-competitive in a lot of places. Try as they might, this administration can’t alter the fundamental economics of this stuff.”
Nonetheless, the latest findings have been met with concern from environmental experts. Jonathan Overpeck, the dean of the University of Michigan’s environment school, described the increase in emissions as an “ominous sign” and warned that favouring fossil fuels would harm both the US economy and air quality.
Longtime climate activist Bill McKibben was more blunt, calling the US’s backsliding on this issue “incredibly stupid.”
The Environmental Protection Agency, in a statement, said it was not familiar with the Rhodium Group report and was “carrying out our core mission of protecting human health.”
As the world continues to grapple with the pressing issue of climate change, this latest development in the US highlights the need for a renewed commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.
