"U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decline in 2023, But Not Enough to Meet Targets"

The United States reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1.9% in 2023, but this decrease falls short of meeting the climate targets set by the Biden administration. The country needs much steeper cuts, particularly in reducing the use of fossil fuels, to meet its goals under the Paris Agreement. Despite a growing economy, the decline in emissions is attributed to the transition away from coal-fired power plants and a relatively mild winter. Additional policies are deemed necessary to sharply curtail the expansion of fossil fuels and meet climate goals for 2030 and beyond, as the Biden administration aims to use executive power to further cut emissions amidst a rapidly warming planet and increasing extreme weather events.