U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Are Rising for the First Time in Two Years—They Could Climb Far Higher

Scientific AmericanTuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:15:00 PM
NegativeScience
  • U.S. greenhouse gas emissions have risen for the first time in two years, driven by increased electricity demands from AI data centers and a recent cold snap, according to a new report. This uptick follows a period of declining emissions, raising concerns about the sustainability of previous environmental progress.
  • The rise in emissions is significant as it indicates a potential reversal of the trend towards lower greenhouse gas outputs, which could undermine efforts to combat climate change and impact regulatory policies.
  • This development highlights a broader tension between technological advancements, such as AI, and environmental sustainability, as the demand for energy-intensive data centers grows amidst ongoing climate challenges, including alarming changes in the Arctic and a resurgence in fossil fuel reliance.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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