Greenhouse gases are gases that cause the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere to rise. Thus, these are the gases that are causing man-made Global Warming to occur. Their primary source is the burning of fossil fuels, but there are others that are discussed in the lectures. Considering this fact, it should make sense that larger countries and richer countries typically produce more of these gases than smaller and/or poorer countries.
In this graphing exercise you’ll be able to visualize the cumulative contribution of greenhouse gases by various countries. In this case, the percentages given are for the estimated total amount of greenhouse gas produced by a country since the widespread use of fossil fuels began during the industrial revolution.
At this time, the U.S. and European Union are not the largest contributors of greenhouse gases (China is), but overall the U.S. and European Union have produced far more greenhouse gas than any other countries. So, while we are not the biggest contributor now, we are still the largest cumulative contributor. In fact, the U.S., while making up only 4.5% of the world’s population, is responsible for the production of over one-fourth of all man-made greenhouse gases ever produced.
Use the data below to complete the blank pie graph/charton the next page, and submit the graph by the posted deadline. Remember to watch the lecture on making graphs before making yours, and to follow the submission guidelines.
Approximate percent of cumulative greenhouse gas contributions by countries:
United States: 27%
European Union: 25%
China: 11%
Russia: 8%
Japan: 4%
India: 3%
All Others (combined): 22%
