Chart du jour: North Carolina's CO2 reductions since 2005

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.