Despite a 10% growth in GDP, Georgia reduced its carbon emissions by 5% from 2017-2021. The principal driver of the 8% drop in per capita greenhouse gas emissions between 2017 and 2021 was the PSC-endorsed retirement of coal plants. Now the biggest climate polluter is transportation. While emissions from cars dipped early in the pandemic, Georgians are back driving again. But even more problematic is the pollution from trucks that has grown 16%, primarily due to the shift to on-line retail.
More needs to be done, but it's good to celebrate our progress--
You can read the article here and see an attractive presentation:
Georgia's ability to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship is a prime example for other SE states seeking to implement policies to address climate change while fostering economic development. By combining research, policy, and practice, our students are gaining a better perspective on how businesses respond to policy and vice-versa.