...Jos Olivier, a senior scientist at the government agency who compiled the figures, said: "There will still be some uncertainty about the exact numbers, but this is the best and most up to date estimate available. China relies very heavily on coal and all of the recent trends show their emissions going up very quickly." China's emissions were 2% below those of the US in 2005. Per head of population, China's pollution remains relatively low - about a quarter of that in the US and half that of the UK.
But if you must fall back on the per capita distinction let me point out that China is catching up on that measure as well.
Comments (1)
Not only are they using per cap but also intensity. The problem with China’s emissions (like the US) is the amount of coal - and therefore mercury, particulates, sulphur oxides, radioisotopes. The Rockies are turning grey from coal particles carried in the Pacific jetstream. CO2 is in some ways the least of the problem.
Posted by Mark Dowling | June 21, 2007 3:24 PM
Posted on June 21, 2007 15:24