A very cold start to 2025 and the growing power demands of data centres and cryptocurrencies saw US emissions of planet-warming gases rise for the first time in three years, according to a new analysis. As homes utilized more natural gas for heating and coal usage surged by 13%, overall greenhouse gas emissions increased by 2.4% last year. While solar power also saw a significant jump, experts suggest that the previous policies did little to curb the rise in emissions. The cold temperatures and high fuel costs contributed to an uptick in coal use, marking only the second increase in coal generation in the last decade. The continued demand from data centers and crypto mining is expected to shape energy consumption patterns in the future.
US Greenhouse Gas Emissions Spike Due to Cold Weather and Data Centers
US Greenhouse Gas Emissions Spike Due to Cold Weather and Data Centers
A recent report indicates that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions increased for the first time in three years after a cold start in 2025 and rising power demands from data centers and cryptocurrency mining.
For the first time in three years, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions rose, attributed to colder weather leading to increased heating demands and a surge in electricity use by data centers and cryptocurrencies. The report highlights a 2.4% increase in emissions despite solar power growing significantly, raising concerns about future energy policies and the rebound of coal usage.
