As we experience the ever-increasing effects of global warming, many countries have come to realize that their inaction and lack of responsibility for the environment have only made matters worse. To understand the biggest contributors to global warming, it is necessary to evaluate various variables, assess their impacts, and identify the countries that are responsible for the majority of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released into the atmosphere.
In 2019, China accounted for the highest amount of CO2 emissions in the world, with 10.06 gigatons. This was followed by the United States (5.41 gigatons), India (2.65 gigatons), and Russia (1.71 gigatons). Together, these four countries accounted for nearly 40 percent of total global emissions, highlighting the need for comprehensive environmental policies that target their emissions.
Not only do these countries produce the majority of the world’s emissions, but the current production rate is on the rise. In 2019, China’s emissions increased by 1.7 percent from the previous year, while the U.S. saw a 1.5 percent uptick. Moreover, the rising economic power of China and India has resulted in an even greater surge in emissions.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of international regulation surrounding climate change. Currently, there are no global standards in terms of environmental policy, allowing countries to operate with impunity. This lack of global responsibility has allowed countries such as China and India to continue their emissions with little to no consequence.
Furthermore, while there are numerous sustainable initiatives in place, they are often undermined by the wealthy and powerful few who are environmentally unaccountable. For instance, lobbying organizations have sought to ensure the continued exploitation of natural resources, despite the detrimental effects on the environment. This disparity in resources has resulted in poorer countries taking the brunt of the impact, hindering any progress that could be made.
However, there is some hope for the future. As renewable energy sources slowly become more affordable and accessible, countries are beginning to invest in energy-saving initiatives. Moreover, many countries are partaking in initiatives such as the Paris Agreement, which encourages countries to take responsibility for their impact on the environment.
Overall, while many countries are to blame for global warming, there are numerous efforts in place to try and counter this. With concerted efforts on an individual and governmental level, we can work to reduce emissions, with the ultimate goal of creating a more sustainable world.
