Data: U.S. Energy Information Administration; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios
North Carolina's carbon dioxide emissions have fallen at one of the fastest rates in the country since 2005, according to new federal data.
Why it matters: Per capita CO2 emissions fell in every state since 2005, and the numbers indicate some success in reducing emissions to curb climate change.
Zoom in: In North Carolina, there was a 42% reduction, the fourth fastest drop of any state.
The drop is tied most notably to a switch from coal to natural gas, which produces fewer CO2 emissions. It does, however, produce methane.
North Carolina has also been the fourth-largest producer of solar energy in the country this century, which has also helped reduce the state's emissions.