A new report from the Rhodium Group shows that the U.S. made a small amount of progress in the fight against climate change in 2019.
In a report called "Preliminary US Emissions Estimates for 2019" the independent research provider found that the U.S. greenhouse gas emissions fell by 2.1% in 2019 based on preliminary energy and economic data.
The news is positive being that estimates show there was a rise in greenhouse gasses of 3.4% in 2018.
The decline in greenhouse gas emissions was almost entirely due to a steep drop in coal-fired power generation. It fell by a record 18% year-on-year to its lowest level since 1975. A rise in power generation by renewables helped decrease overall power sector emissions by 10%.
Over the past 10 years, the U.S. has cut coal consumption in half.
Coal is America's leading source of the carbon emissions that warm the planet.
This is all great news for power generation but, unfortunately, other sectors such as buildings, industry, and transportation weren't as successful at reducing their output of greenhouse gasses.
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While a 2.1% drop shows that the U.S. is making some progress in reducing it's carbon footprint, it's still coming up short on two of its stated climate goals.
In the Copenhagen Accord the U.S, pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions "in the range" of 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 and, so far, it's only at 12.3%. To meet the Paris Agreement target of a 26-28% reduction by 2025 requires a 2.8-3.2% average annual reduction in emissions over the next six years.
GOP VP nominee @Mike_Pence says "Donald Trump digs coal."
The Trump campaign has signs that say just that. pic.twitter.com/PeXzgv4hzA
— Chad Livengood (@ChadLivengood) July 21, 2016
The good news on coal emissions comes at a time when President Trump is doing all he can to prop-up the dying industry.
One of his biggest moves was to replace the Obama-era Clean Power Plan with the new Affordable Clean Energy Rule. This gives states more flexibility to keep coal-fired power plants open.
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However, the coal industry can't fight the basic fact that it's much more expensive to produce coal-fired power than through other means. A 2018 analysis found that the cost of coal power is between $60 and $143 per megawatt-hour, while natural gas costs $41 to $74, and wind just $29 to $56.
"Trump can't revive coal. The transition is already happening," Bruce Nilles, senior director of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign, told Politico. "What Trump can do is allow more pollution and death during the transition."
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.