But the US is over 24% of global GDP [0], so that means we pollute less per unit of Global GDP than the combined rest of the world on average.
I'd say there's room to improve, but if we compared all countries this way, we might have a good conversation.
For instance, Germany may be skewed as high pollution per capita, but roughly 1/2 of their economy is for exports. Penalizing them because they make things there for people around the world wouldn't seem fair.
Yes, it should be an excuse and a reference. If the US is going to ruin its economy by being forced off of fossil fuels, other countries shouldn't be able to use it as an advantage to take power and continue to ruin the environment.
Where would our economy be ruined by transitioning away from fossil fuels? The renewable sector has insane room for growth and employment. The fact that we'd all be way healthier with less pollution in the air and water would lead directly to less medical costs and less time missed from work and higher productivity!
I'd say there's room to improve, but if we compared all countries this way, we might have a good conversation.
For instance, Germany may be skewed as high pollution per capita, but roughly 1/2 of their economy is for exports. Penalizing them because they make things there for people around the world wouldn't seem fair.
[0] - https://foreignpolicy.com/2017/02/24/infographic-heres-how-t...