US emissions rise to 6.8 billion tons in 2010
The world’s second largest emitter saw their carbon dioxide equivalent emissions rise to 6.8 billion tons over 2010.
Improved economic growth and a sweltering summer contributed to the 3.2% rise in the six recorded greenhouse gases reported to the United Nations each year.
The US has seen other high annual figures, with a peak of 7.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent being pumped out in 2007.
Other major emitters including Japan and Russia saw their greenhouse gas levels increase in 2010.
No data has been made available for China, the world’s largest emitter.