Record Drop in U.S. CO2 Emissions; European Mayors Vow Emissions Cuts

Carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. dropped a record 7 percent in 2009, due in large part to the economic recession. Meanwhile, in Europe more than 500 mayors vowed a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. U.S. greenhouse gas emissions declined by more than 400 million tons last year, according to an annual report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. It was the largest annual reduction since the U.S. started keeping such records 60 years ago. “While emissions have declined in three out of the last four years, 2009 was exceptional,” according to the report by the EIA, part of the U.S. Department of Energy. While the recession was an important factor, the report also cited more efficient energy use, including the transition from coal to natural gas by some electricity utilities; an increase in wind power generation; and improved fuel efficiency by American drivers. In Europe, at the second annual European Union-sponsored meeting of mayors, hundreds of officials from across the continent signed the so-called Covenant of Mayors, pledging to conserve energy, target renewable sources of energy, and increase awareness of climate issues in their communities.