Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues of our time and the United States is one of the largest contributors to the process of global warming. While the US has taken strides to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, its contribution to this global phenomenon remains significant. As the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, America accounts for approximately 14% of the global total.
Climate change is caused primarily by the emission of CO2 and other gases that absorb heat and trap it in the atmosphere. Fossil fuels are the main culprit when it comes to US-generated carbon dioxide, spewed into the atmosphere by cars, planes, factories, and power plants. In addition, methane produced by the livestock industry and nitrous oxide from agricultural activities are also significant contributors. All of these different sources of emissions add up to an overwhelming amount of global warming gases that are slowly pushing our planet further towards an apocalyptic state.
The United States has done its part to address global warming. It has led the way in renewable energy technology, with more solar and wind installations than any other nation, and it is now the world’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity. The country has also taken steps to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings and factories, leading to a two-thirds reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. However, despite these successes, the US still has a long way to go to make a real dent in global warming.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the US continues to depend heavily on fossil fuels. The nation stands way behind many of its peers in Europe and Asia when it comes to transitioning to clean energy. In 2017, the US was responsible for almost 30% of the primary energy consumed that year, and about 80% of that energy came from fossil fuels. The Trump administration’s decision to roll back Obama-era regulations that aimed to reduce the use of these fuels has only increased the US’s dependence on them.
In addition to the continued reliance on finite fossil fuels, US citizens also contribute to the warming of our planet through their everyday activities. The average American has a large carbon footprint due to the amount of energy they use and the products they purchase. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to reducing the US’s contributions to global warming, as different people have different resources and lifestyles. However, everyone can do their part by committing to reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, switching to sustainable products, and reducing their energy consumption.
Reducing the US’s contributions to global warming requires the collective efforts of individuals, businesses, and the government. Though the US cannot control the actions of other nations, it can look to lead the way by creating more stringent policies and encouraging other countries to do the same. As the world’s leading superpower, the USA has an immense responsibility to reduce its emissions and lead the international community in the fight against global warming. The time to take action is now.
