United Nations report highlights significant increase in U.S. climate pollution

Oct 21, 2026 · Rebecca Hersher

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

United Nations report highlights significant increase in U.S. climate pollution

The Jeffrey Energy Center coal-fired power plant as seen in January 2026 in Topeka, Kan. Burning coal contributed to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions by the United States last year, according to a new United Nations report.

The U.S. is the only major economy where planet-warming pollution dramatically increased last year. The United Nations warns the planet is on track for catastrophic warming.

(Image credit: Charlie Riedel)