The US has made good strides. Based on the data we now are the worlds second biggest CO2 emissions contributor though we drop to 10th on a per capita basis. In comparison, China is the runaway leader in C02 emissions yet is 45th in the world per capita (
2013 World Bank data).
Based on the data above, the US only emits .4 metric tons
more per resident than we did in 1960. We've been a leader in this movement since the '70's when smog filled our city skylines, sewage spilled into our waterways and all refuse was "trash" to be put in a hill. That's good, right? During that same period UK has
reduced their emissions by 37%. So, we can continue to lead and pull the rest of the world along with us. They were ready to follow and now will continue in that direction without us.
The most disturbing part of Scott Pruitt's multiple interviews since yesterday is his inference that "we're done". He cited our 16% reduction in CO2 emissions since 2000. Additionally he pointed to a 62% reduction in air particles since 1980. These statistics were cited to show that we've accomplished a lot while growing our economy. He's right. Of course, it was the environmental movement that pushed us to those gains that are now being undone by this administration. If you listen to Pruitt you'd think we've reached panacea. We're done and the environment is now fine in the inference.
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