Although U.S. CO2 emissions will increase by 42 percent under theReference Scenario, under the Energy [R]evolution Scenario theywill decrease from 5,575 MMT in 2005 to 827 MMT in 2050.Annual per capita emissions will drop from 18.6 tons to 2.1 tons.In spite of the phasing out of nuclear energy and increasingdemand, CO2 emissions will decrease in the electricity sector. In thelong run, efficiency gains and the increased use of renewableelectricity will also reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector.With a share of 48 percent of total CO2, the transport sector will bethe largest source of emissions in 2050. These figures could befurther reduced by simple behavioral changes.

Total carbon emissions reductions under energy [r]evolution scenario

The Energy [R]evolution Scenario cuts CO₂ emissions from every sector of the U.S. economy. Specifically:

• Electricity and steam generation emissions would drop 98 percent from 2,538 million tons per year (MMtCO2/yr) to 42 MMtCO2/yr by 2050. Electricity generation from both coal and oil would be phased out entirely by 2050.
• Transportation sector emissions would fall 79 percent from 1,928 to 400 MMtCO2/yr by 2050.
• Emissions from industry would fall 77 percent from 482 to 112 MMtCO2/yr by 2050.
• On a per capita basis, U.S. emissions would drop from 18.6 to 2.1 tons/yr by 2050. For comparison, today, the developed nations of Europe together emit 7.6 tons/year per capita, China emits 3.4 tons/year per capita, and India just 1 ton/year per capita.
• Total emissions would decline 85 percent from current levels (83 percent from 1990 levels) by 2050.
• Because achieving the emissions cuts demanded by the science becomes more costly and difficult the longer we wait, it is critical to set strong targets for near-term emissions reductions as well as long-term reductions by 2050. Under the Energy [R]evolution Scenario, emissions would fall to 4,426 MMtCO2/yr by 2020, a 12 percent reduction from 1990 levels and a 23 percent reduction from current levels. If we follow the path presented in the Energy [R]evolution Scenario, we can solve global warming, but we must start now.