US Greenhouse Gas Emissions Surge in 2025 Amidst Record Global Warming
In a stark reversal from previous years' reductions, the United States witnessed a 2.4% increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025, largely attributed to a cooler winter, surge in data centers and cryptocurrency mining, and high natural gas prices. This increase comes at a time when global temperatures have hit record highs, with 2025 being the third warmest year on record.
Climate Crisis Intensifies
The past three years, from 2023 to 2025, have surpassed the symbolic threshold of 1.5 °C of warming, the most ambitious target of the Paris Agreement, marking the first time such a three-year period has exceeded this limit. Despite a cooling phase in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, the heat from greenhouse gases countered this cooling, further solidifying 2025's position among the warmest years.
While the US experienced increased emissions, extreme weather events hit around the globe. Droughts, hurricanes, wildfires, and heatwaves have become the new normal, with Australia facing catastrophic fire conditions not seen since the Black Summer of 2019-20. Climate change is no longer just about melting ice or hotter summers; it is also a financial problem, with natural disasters damaging crops, factories, and infrastructure.
US Policy Rollbacks and Global Response
Despite the environmental crisis, President Donald Trump's administration rolled back several environmental policies in 2025. However, researchers from the Rhodium Group, an independent research firm, mentioned these rollbacks were not significant factors in the increase in emissions as they were only put in place that year. The President also ordered the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, nearly half of which are linked to the United Nations. This includes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), signaling the U.S.'s withdrawal from global climate cooperation.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from scientists, policy experts, and civil society leaders worldwide. Nonetheless, experts believe that Trump's decision to exit global climate treaties will have little effect outside the US, as the rest of the world has been forced to persevere with climate action in the face of US indifference.
Conclusion
As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, the increase in US emissions and the country's withdrawal from global climate cooperation pose significant challenges. The gravity of the situation calls for greater international cooperation and commitment towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a goal that seems increasingly elusive with the US's current stance.