why does U.S. get critcized on global warming?

Question

We have catalytic converters on cars, factories are monitored for pollution. I have been to Mexico City, Manila, Bangkok, Beijing, and Tokyo. The air is so polluted you have to wear a handkerchief over your face. Why is it they are never criticized for their pollution? They spew it into the air and water systems.

Answer 1

Basic answer: The US (per person) causes more pollution than most other countries, and we can afford to stop it.

Yes, other cities seem more polluted than ours, but these cities are generally the only hub of economy in these counties, and the country as a whole pollute a lot less than the US (we are the worlds 3 or 4 largest population). This covers most of the cities you mentioned. Mexico City - a large part of the Mexican economy and as a whole, the country has less pollution in it per capita than the US, while they concentrate their pollution, we spread it out so we barely notice.

Tokyo - imagine LA times 3, in an area half the size and the pollution would be the same. Beijing, half the same story as the first part of my answer, and the other half - they are starting to feel the heat from envronmental groups too. Since the media is more concerned about local events, you never hear about them, only us.

Yes, we have a lot of things stopping our pollution, but at the same time, we still pollute more than most.

They are criticized, but we dont hear about it in our media. The ones that criticize are their media (i hope) and international agencies that monitor it. It is up to the leaders of the world (US, Europe, and others) to bring pressure on these countries and lead by example.

The ultimate answer - we can afford to stop it (so can Japan) - China, Mexico, Thailand, and the Phillipines cannot - without sacrificing their economies completely.

Answer 2

Pollution, in general, is not the problem when it comes to global warming, the problem is carbon dioxide (CO2.) Unlike dust, particulates, VOC's, aerosols, and sulfur, CO2 is invisible, colorless, odorless, tasteless, and largely unreactive.

The US has less than 10% of the worlds population, yet produces more than 40% of all CO2 emissions.

The US federal Government has always had a "see, hear, speak no evil" policy when it comes to CO2 and global warming. It has failed to ever make any real regulations regarding fossil fuel carbon emissions, even though the problem has been known for more than 30 years.

Worse, the fossil fuel industry spends tens to hundreds of millions of dollars every year on lobbying and "political contributions" alone,( about 84% of which goes to the GOP.) The fossil fuel lobby is undoubtably the largest and most powerful in Washington, employing an army of lawyers, clerks, managers, analysts, PR representatives, and such.

Answer 3

I think a large part of it has to do with our meddling in politics. Many people criticize the U.S. for their involvement in the Middle East and other foreign places. This probably makes it easier for certain critics to point out the rest of our flaws because if "the great country can't do one thing right, they probably can't other things right." I don't agree with this view, but if you watch the content in the media, the U.S. does not possess the great image it used to.

(Honestly, China pollutes the atmosphere more than the U.S. This is due to the large amount of factories that emit smog into the air.)

Answer 4

What makes you think that these other places are never criticized on their pollution?

But seriously, the U.S. is criticized on greenhouse gas emissions because we produce more of them than any other country. By any measure - whether in total emissions or emissions per capita.

The U.S. is also criticized because, while we could be leading the way internationally on reducing emissions, we have instead (recently) tried to make excuses, and held off on doing our reasonable part until others do first. We have complained that countries with less emissions than us haven't been forced to reduce theirs too, and we look like toddlers throwing tantrums when we do it.

Answer 5

The U.S. emits more CO2 than any other nation, and CO2 is the gas most cited for creating the greenhouse effect. We emit more CO2, because we burn much more fossil fuel than anyone else to produce electricity to maintain our standard of living.

We do a better job than 3rd world countries in nearly eliminating particulates (soot) and reducing sulfur and nitrogen oxides to ever more stringent standards.

There are no simple solutions, and name-calling doesn't do anything to solve the problem. The only clean ways to produce energy are nuclear fission, with its own set of problems, and hydroelectric dams, which are great once they are built, but create environmental cataclysms when they flood valleys.

Sorry, no answer here.

Answer 6

America wont participate in this thing where every country tries to stop pollution which gets in the air which cause global warming.
Well,the other countries are mad at America so we get criticized.

Answer 7

Not just the United States, Canada as well. It's because we are two of the most developed nations in the Western world, and are responsible for most of the climate conditions we are experiencing. We also have the resources and capabilities to make changes. Developing countries often don't have the resources to make changes, and even if they did, their contribution to global warming is considerably smaller than ours. Also it boils down to luck of the draw. Those nations you mentioned are criticized, its just that the United States and Canada are easier targets.

Answer 8

Because we have people like Al Gore f..... us all the time. Check out the pollution coming from the fires in Chinas coal mines. This results in carbon dioxide emissions in a range of between 560 and 1,120 million metric tons, equaling 50% to 100% of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from gasoline. So who is really polluting the earth? CHINA! See the link below:

Answer 9

Because the facts are that we have created half of the air pollution that the world gives off every year.

Answer 10

Because America is a top contributor for oil consumption in the world.