Reality Check? Global Fossil Fuel Consumption Grows

<p>After a multi-year decline, global carbon emissions are on the upswing.</p><p>The International Energy Agency now says that emissions grew in 2017 -- caused by an increase oil, natural gas and coal demand. Nearly three-quarters of new energy demand across the globe was served by fossil fuels.</p><p>At the same time, America saw another yearly drop in carbon emissions, which&nbsp;IEA&nbsp;says was assisted by&nbsp;renewables. But with more and more carbon-free nuclear plants slated for closure across the U.S., many worry the trend will end.</p><p>In this week's&nbsp;<em>Energy Gang,</em>&nbsp;we'll look at trends in global energy demand. We'll also look to the situation in the U.S., where concerns about losing nuclear are growing.</p><p>Then, we'll talk about&nbsp;FirstEnergy&nbsp;Solutions' bankruptcy. Could the company find a way to save its nuclear plants by compromising with&nbsp;renewables&nbsp;advocates?&nbsp;</p><p>Finally, EPA chief Scott Pruitt is cutting back on Obama-era fuel efficiency standards. We’ll explore the consequences. Are CAFE standards even the right policy?</p><p><em>The Energy Gang is brought to you by&nbsp;</em><a href="https://sense.com/welcome-back-three.html" target="_blank"><em>Sense</em></a><em>. Sense installs in your home's electrical panel and provides insight into your energy use and home activity through our&nbsp;iOS, Android, and web apps.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://sense.com/welcome-back-three.html" target="_blank"><em>Find out more</em></a><em>.</em></p><p>Recommended reading:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/GECO2017.pdf" target="_blank">EIA</a>:&nbsp;Global Energy and CO2 Status Report</li><li><a href="https://www.thirdway.org/report/when-nuclear-ends-how-nuclear-retirements-might-undermine-clean-power-plan-progress" target="_blank">Third Way</a>:&nbsp;How Nuclear Retirements Might Undermine Clean Power Plan Progress</li><li><a href="https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/firstenergy-seeks-bankruptcy-protecti