EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·28d ago·5 min read
US coal 'biggest contributor by far' to rise in global emissions
TL;DR
A significant rise in US coal consumption, primarily driven by data centers, has been identified as the leading cause of the global increase in CO2 emissions last year. The US accounted for over a third of the global emissions rise, outpacing other countries, including China.
✦ Why It Matters
Evaluate your organization's energy sources and consider transitioning to more sustainable options to mitigate emissions.
Key Takeaways
- Monitor coal usage trends in your region to anticipate regulatory changes.
- Invest in renewable energy solutions to align with global sustainability goals.
- Consider the impact of data centers on energy demand in your projects.
- Stay informed about legal developments affecting energy production and emissions.
Full Summary
In 2025, US coal consumption surged by 10%, making it the largest contributor to the global increase in CO2 emissions, which rose by 0.7% overall. Selene Law from the Energy Institute highlighted that the US was responsible for more than a third of the global emissions increase, with its growth in coal usage primarily fueled by the energy demands of data centers.
Despite a significant investment in renewable energy, particularly solar power, which accounted for 71% of renewables growth, fossil fuels still dominated the energy mix, comprising 86% of total energy use. The US government has actively supported coal through substantial investments, although recent legal challenges have complicated these plans.
While China remains the largest CO2 emitter, its emissions growth was minimal compared to the US, indicating a shift in the global emissions landscape.