2 carbon dioxide emissions overview total of in the united states and its territories were 5 795 6 million metric tons 2002 47 0 8 percent more than 2001 tables 4 increase from to can be attributed large part an overall us economic growth colder winter weather that increased demand for heating fuels electricity influenced by a hotter summer year before fol lows decrease 1 or 105 7 2000 figure since 1990 have average about per as discussed below fac tors such drop intensity electric power sector kept less annual rate most 98 is emitted result combustion fossil consequently energy