Hacker News Reader

USA emits 19 tons CO2 per capita, China only 5. As far as I understand, China refuses to sign any climate treaty that locks in a situation where US to emit so much more than other countries.

Btw, the EU average is 8, and Sweden (my country) at 5.5, so it's not like you'd have to give up your quality of life to reduce enissions.

View on HN

If you look at per capita, then Canada is 16 and Australia is 18. If you look at it overall, then China is largest producer:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dio...

If look at it as a percentage of world emissions, it's not even close - China has 26% with the US way back in 2nd with 14%:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dio...

Also, if you look at your home country of Sweden, your overall population is much smaller, you have a much smaller land mass and I would expect your carbon emissions to much lower.

Also, your country was smart to start phasing out fossil fuels, and has a ton of very environmentally friendly laws which are doing a lot of positive things for your country.

If we in the US actually adapted some of your laws and thinking, we'd probably be a lot further along in reducing our country's impact on the rest of the world.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com