U.S. emissions rose 2.4% in 2025 due to colder weather, coal use, and rising data center demand, reversing a decade-long decline.

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions rose 2.4% in 2025, reversing a decade-long decline, according to a Rhodium Group study. The increase was driven by a colder winter boosting heating demand, higher natural gas prices that led to a 13% rise in coal power generation, and surging electricity use from data centers and cryptocurrency mining. Despite a 34% jump in solar power and zero-carbon sources supplying 42% of U.S. electricity, emissions outpaced economic growth. Environmental policy rollbacks under the new Trump administration had not yet significantly impacted 2025 emissions, but experts warn the trend could hinder long-term climate goals, with the projected 2035 emissions reduction now expected to be about one-third smaller than previously forecast.