US Accounted for Nearly 50% of World’s CO2 Emissions Growth in 2025 — Thanks, AI Data Center Explosion

US CO2 emissions grew 3.2% in 2025, driven by AI data centers and coal power.

The United States, as part of North America, contributed significantly to nearly half of the world’s CO2 emissions growth, signaling a significant structural shift in energy consumption despite gains in renewable energy. This uptick follows years of mostly declining emissions and points to the complex dynamics of rising electricity demand.

In 2025, US electricity demand increased by 3%, with coal-fired power surging 13%, according to the Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy. The US also consumed 40% of global data center electricity, reflecting the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure. Although renewable energy use in the US grew by 28%, and global renewables rose nearly 10%, the absolute increase in renewables—about 3.2 exajoules—was outpaced by a total energy supply growth of 8.1 exajoules. Robert Rapier of OilPrice.com highlights that North America accounted for 47% of the world’s emissions increase, underscoring regional influence.

Montana businesses could find this trend relevant as rising electricity demand and coal reliance influence regional energy markets. The state’s energy profile might be impacted by national shifts in data center growth and renewable adoption, affecting cost structures and investment strategies. Understanding these forces may be crucial for Montana firms navigating evolving energy and environmental landscapes. Note that Montana is not specifically mentioned in the source article.

US Accounted for Nearly 50% of World’s CO2 Emissions Growth in 2025 — Thanks, AI Data Center Explosion
By Zachary Shahan, CleanTechnica