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Carbon Rollercoaster: A Historical Analysis of Decarbonization in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Clay, Karen

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • Jha, Akshaya

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • Lewis, Joshua

    (University of Montreal)

  • Severnini, Edson

    (Boston College)

Abstract

This paper documents the evolution of US carbon emissions and discusses the main factors that contributed to the historical carbon emissions rollercoaster. We divide the discussion into four periods – up to 1920, 1920-1960, 1960-2005 and after 2005. For each period, we discuss the main drivers of national carbon emissions. We then discuss trends in carbon emissions in the electricity sector. Electricity sector emissions were initially very small, but would become the largest source of US carbon emissions over the period 1980-2015, and the largest contributor to decarbonization since 2007. In the final section, we distill lessons from the U.S. experience that may inform decarbonization strategies in developing economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Clay, Karen & Jha, Akshaya & Lewis, Joshua & Severnini, Edson, 2025. "Carbon Rollercoaster: A Historical Analysis of Decarbonization in the United States," IZA Discussion Papers 18008, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18008
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • N72 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
    • Q31 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Demand and Supply; Prices
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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