Why do GW skeptics claim that China emits more CO2 than the USA?

Question

I keep hearing this claim from GW skeptics too. For one thing, if you don't believe that human CO2 emissions cause global warming (GW), why are you even making this argument? Secondly, it's simply untrue, as can be seen here:

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

Granted those stats are from 5 years ago, but China has not made up the 2.5 billion metric tons/year (or 10% of total emissions) gap behind the USA in that short time period.

Thirdly, even if China had caught the US in annual CO2 emissions, the US would still emit FAR more per capita due to our smaller population, and is responsible for FAR more of the atmospheric CO2 concentration because of our high level of emissions over many decades.

Fourthly, China is still a developing country so the US should be expected to reduce our emissions first as a developed country anyway.

So why do GW skeptics keep making this false and irrelevant claim?

Answer 1

Because they can't find any real evidence to support their arguments.

Even if China produced 1000 times the emissions that the US did it wouldn't make GW go away or make the proplem any less serious.

In terms of per capita emissions China is way down the list in 99th place, the other 'enemy' the finger is often pointed at is India which I beleive is 132nd on the list.

If every Chinese citizen were responsible for the same CO2 emissions that the average US citizen is, China would produce more CO2 then the whole of the rest of the world combined.

I live in hope that one day a skeptic on Answers will come up with something that make you think about it and not laugh at it.

Answer 2

I am a W supporter. However I do believe that some of his environmental policies need to have some tweeking. China does have the largest population in the world. They are also a communist country that forbids the freedom of speech & religion. If you convert to christianity in China more than likely you will be sentenced to a labor camp. In my own personal opinion the co2s that are produced in China might come from some of those prision labor camp. Look at the majority of the products that are produced today. It might have been made with slave labor.

Answer 3

It's called deflection, and skeptics are great at it.

If you're not part of the solution ---you're part of the problem.

In the end, does it matter who's the worse offender. We are the FREE, we are Americans - the ones who always come in to save the day -- so shouldn't WE be first in line with innovation, conservation, etc. to set the example to live by.

Since when are individuals so stymied by politicians? When consumers start putting solar panels on their houses and windmills in their yards and investing only in green companies, which band wagon do you think the politicians will be on then?

Answer 4

People before ranting about GW do some of your own research this does not mean "An Inconvienient true". Go to youtube and put in the great global warming swindle. if you are going to stand behind a cause see both sides. And yes it is true CO2 follows Global Temp by about 1500 yrs look up ice core samples.

Answer 5

They think, that since China has lots more people, they emit more gas. But its not true. Lots of people don't own cars. They walk or bike. Chinese are more conservative. Also, the average American uses far more gas.

Some GW skeptics think this as an excuse, and because they have no idea.

Answer 6

People are in denial. The USA has more cars running that most countries will ever have. Every driveway is loaded with cars for Mom, Dad, work, the teens, a vacation vehicle, etc. WE NEED to be the first to break the cycle! Our home has ONE car, for example. I walk or take a bus to conserve. People are lazy and sometimes ignorant of the facts at hand.

Answer 7

Disagree. China might be destroy the world even God. Their arrogance would be punished by God in near future.

Answer 8

I have never made that claim because I know like you said it is false.

Answer 9

Yes but China is more densley populated than the US and they are starting to use more oil.

Answer 10

because they have billions of people