TL/DR –
Maine’s DEP is serving up evidence that climate change is a battle we can win, showing a 30% drop in GHG emissions since 1990. They’ve got their eye on the carbon neutrality prize by 2045, and they’re already 91% of the way there—thanks in part to a 79% cut in CO2 emissions from the electric power sector. But don’t get it twisted, transportation’s still the baddest polluter in town—even if it’s showing a modest 9% drop from 1990 levels.
Maine’s Climate Change Triumphs
Maine’s environmental watchdogs have been fighting climate change like champs. The latest report from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reveals some major wins, like slashing greenhouse gas emissions by a hefty 30% compared to 1990 levels. That’s three times their 2020 goal. Talk about overachievers!
Climate Conscious Initiatives in Action
These results didn’t happen overnight. Post-1990, emissions spiked, hitting an all-time high in 2002. But thanks to some super green initiatives, they’ve been on a downward trend. Sure, COVID-19 gave emissions a temporary dip in 2020, but they bounced back a bit in 2021 as life started getting back to normal.
The Road to Carbon Neutrality
Maine’s on track for carbon neutrality by 2045. They’ve pledged to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 45% from 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Considering they’re already 91% of the way there, things are looking up!
The Energy Emission Challenge
Energy usage is Maine’s biggest emission culprit, churning out 94% of their total. Fossil fuel combustion is the worst offender, but they’ve managed to reduce energy-related emissions by 41% since 2002 and 30% since 1990.
Winning Moves for Carbon Sequestration
With environmental sequestration offsetting 91% of gross greenhouse gas emissions, Maine is making great strides towards carbon neutrality. This is all thanks to reduced emissions since 2016 and a boost in carbon storage, especially in wood products and forestland.
From Power to Transport: A Shift in Focus
There’s been a whopping 79% drop in annual CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion in the power sector since 2002, largely due to a move to lower-carbon energy sources. Transportation is now the main concern, contributing nearly half of Maine’s CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. But hey, they’ve already managed a 9% drop from 1990 levels.
Economy vs Environment: A Balancing Act
Even as Maine’s economy grows, their greenhouse gas emissions relative to GDP continues to decline. In fact, emissions per million dollars of GDP were 59% lower in 2021 than in 1990. Though transportation remains the most polluting sector, it’s significantly less than residential, commercial, and industrial sources. Sure, there’s still work to do, but they’re on the right track.
Original Story at www.environmentenergyleader.com
