Dive Brief:

• Carbon dioxide emissions attributable to energy production and use fell 3.8% in 2012, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported on Monday. CO2 emissions have fallen in five out of the past seven years, EIA said.
• Emissions are at their lowest level since 1994 more than 12% below the the peak in 2007, EIA said.
• The carbon intensity of electricity production fell by 13% from 2007 to 2012, EIA said.

Here is a chart depicting the recent decline in CO2 emissions. Click to enlarge.

 

Here is a chart depicting the key drivers in energy-related CO2 emissions. Click to enlarge.

Dive Insight: 

Among the factors contributing to the decline in emissions were lower residential demand for electricity and the substitution of natural gas-fired generation for coal generation and the greater use of renewables.