Carbon dioxide is one of several greenhouse gases that contributes to Global Warming.  It traps the sun’s radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere.  Other greenhouse gases include methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. The amount of carbon dioxide is created from burning fossil fuels by generating electricity, burning fuels during transportation and industrial processes, and in our daily lives (both residentially and commercially). Natural resources like trees that usually process the carbon dioxide have been inadequate to handle the quantity of recent emissions. Consequently, more and more greenhouse gases are being trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere and elevating temperatures on Earth contributing to Global Warming.

Let’s take a look at the top global carbon dioxide emitting countries:

1. China 1,986,289,988 tons of carbon

2. USA 1.748.499.980 tons of carbon

3. Russia 476,733,712 tons of carbon

4. India 473.554.097 tons of carbon

5. Japan 371,879,656 tons of carbon

6. Germany 231,071,429 tons of carbon

7. Canada 159.546.558 tons of carbon

8. UK 159,533,282 tons of carbon

9. South Korea 143,379,784 tons of carbon

10. Italy 133,469,710 tons of carbon

Source:  Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center ( CDIAC)

Not a shocker that China tops the list with the highest population of over 1.3 billion citizens.  But the US greedily takes second place with a fraction of the population of China, and just over 300 million Americans.  There’s less than 15% differentiating the US and China in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, which is alarming since there’s only one American for every 4 residents of China.  With that same logic, shouldn’t the US be 75% less than China in total CO2?

Sustainable practices must focus on a myriad of solutions to reduce emissions worldwide.  Renewable energy resources must be increased and a reliable electric car must be released to help diminish our reliance on oil.   Concentrating on preserving (not burning) fossil fuels is essential for Earth’s long-term survival.

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Tags: Canada, carbon dioxide, China, electricity reduction, Fossil Fuels, Germany, Global Warming, India, Italy, Japan, methane, natural resources, nitrous oxide, planet forward, preserve natural resources, renew, Renewable Energy Resources, Russia, South Korea, sustainable practices, UK, Usa, water vapor