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Sep 8, 2020 - Energy & Environment

U.S. spends the most stimulus but smallest share on green energy

Amy Harder
Data: Rhodium Group; Chart: Axios Visuals
Data: Rhodium Group; Chart: Axios Visuals

The U.S. has spent the biggest share of its GDP on discretionary stimulus spending compared to other major economies, but it’s spent the smallest share on clean energy, per a new analysis from consultancy Rhodium Group.

Why it matters: To what degree the world invests in clean-energy technologies as it recovers from the pandemic-induced recession could go a long way toward reaching climate goals.

Data: Rhodium Group; Chart: Axios Visuals
Data: Rhodium Group; Chart: Axios Visuals

By the numbers:

  • The U.S. has spent roughly 12% of its GDP on discretionary stimulus spending, but it’s spent the smallest share on green spending, at just 1.1%.
  • That’s compared to the European Union, which has spent so far 10.4% of its GDP on discretionary stimulus but more than 20% is going toward clean energy.
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