The first-ever inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in Alaska found good news — and bad.

The state generated about 52 million metric tons of CO2 and related gases in 2005, a tiny amount compared to places like California, Texas and other industrialized locales across the globe.


On the other hand, the amount has risen by more than 20 percent in 15 years, and is projected to rise by another 20 percent by 2020. And Alaskans spew about four times the CO2 per capita than the average American.

About 40 percent of the greenhouse gases produced by the state came from energy producers like utilities, heavy industry and mines. The second biggest chunk came from transportation.

    Want to cut carbon?

  • Walk to the store
  • Ride bike to work
  • Stop air leaks
  • Weather strip doors
  • Take one less flight
  • Retire two-cycle engines
  • Don’t zoom around in circles
  • Plug in your car

The study, commissioned by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, was conducted by E.H. Pechan & Associates of California. DEC’s climate change page has background and links to testimony before the 11-member Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission.