Future of the Environment

Chart of the day: These countries have the largest carbon footprints

Pedestrians walk along a footpath in front of a massive chimney billowing smoke for a coal-burning power station in central Beijing January 12, 2012. China, with 1.34 billion people, is the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases which totals around a quarter of the world's CO2. This is more than the United States, historically the world's top emitter. A recent study from U.S. researchers states that China could peak in emissions by 2030 or earlier, with Chinese demand for appliances, buildings and much industry reaching "saturation" around then. Beijing has resisted officially spelling out when its emissions could peak saying they should be allowed to grow out of poverty while rich nations lead the way in cutting carbon.    REUTERS/David Gray     (CHINA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY) - GM1E81C160J01

Pedestrians walk along a footpath in front of a massive chimney billowing smoke for a coal-burning power station in central Beijing Image: REUTERS/David Gray

Henry Bewicke
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Future of the EnvironmentClimate ChangeSustainable DevelopmentMining and MetalsGlobal GovernanceEnergy Transition
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