Pollution Problems

The amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide emitted in 2011 rose by 3% (a billion tons) from 2010 to 38.2 billion tons. Of the planet’s top 10 polluters, only the USA and Germany reduced emissions. China emitted 10 billion tons, up from nine billion in 2010, followed by the USA at 5.9 billion, India at 2.5, Russia at 1.8, and Japan at 1.3. Emissions are 54% higher now than in 1990.