US sees rise in carbon emissions after three years of decline

World Today

The latest research shows that harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. spiked in 2018. The findings could not come at a worse time as the world is struggling to cut carbon and other emissions to stave off the most punishing effects of global warming.

CGTN’s Sean Callebs reports.

Record damaging wildfires swept through vast areas of the bone dry U.S. west in 2018. Many scientists are drawing a direct parallel between the hot summer – and the planet’s warming. Researchers have more bad news.

Carbon emissions in the U.S. spiked by nearly 3.5 percent in 2018 – what is being called a “jarring” increase.

It’s the kind of news that’s fueling concern – in states like Florida. In mid-October, Hurricane Michael slammed into the Florida coast, as the fourth most powerful storm to ever hit the United States. Experts said storms are being super-charged by climate change.

Ever since President Donald Trump announced withdrawal from the historic Paris Climate Treaty, he has long railed against the overwhelming science that supports global warming.

The news is disappointing elsewhere –both India and China saw a rise in carbon emissions.

But China is a world leader in developing wind and solar power – and increasing its renewable energy by a reported whopping 25 percent per year, according to researchers.

The Trump administration wants to revive the coal industry. It’s a promise that concerns climate scientists.