As Pandemic Gripped U.S. and Energy Demand Dropped, CO2 Emissions Nosedived

U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in April plunged to the lowest monthly level on record, reflecting the sudden drop in petroleum consumption that coincided with government-imposed business lockdowns and travel restrictions as the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in a report Friday CO2 emissions totaled 307 million metric tons (mmt) in April, down from more than 400 mmt prior to the onset of virus outbreaks. The April figure marked the lowest value reported in records that date to 1973.

The largest decreases in carbon emissions in April occurred in the transportation sector, EIA said, as “consumer responses to the coronavirus, stay-at-home orders, and other travel restrictions that were in place...