Transitioning to Renewables: Forecasting the U.S. Energy Shift and Its Impact on Emissions and Climate
摘要
This research delves into how energy use, CO₂ emissions, and temperature patterns have been intertwined in the United States from 1949 to 2023. By employing a broad methodological design that integrates data visualization, statistical evaluation, and innovative machine learning techniques, the study tracks historical trends and projects forthcoming shifts. Findings point to a marked shift in the nation’s energy mix, moving from conventional fossil fuels toward a stronger emphasis on natural gas and renewable options. The analysis uncovers a pronounced positive link between fossil fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, highlighting fossil energy’s central role in driving climate change. Meanwhile, renewable energy appears less strongly tied to temperature deviations, hinting at its promise as a more sustainable path forward. Various machine-learning approaches were utilized to gauge predictive accuracy. Notably, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks yielded the most accurate forecasts of temperature changes, whereas Facebook Prophet proved especially adept at modeling CO₂ emissions. These results underscore the pressing need to hasten the adoption of renewable sources as a means of mitigating climate impacts. In addition, the study demonstrates the power of machine learning as a tool in climate research, offering valuable predictive insights that can inform both policy-making and strategic planning for a cleaner energy future in the United States.