[Kiboneu]

Let’s not pretend anymore.

The uncomfortable truth is that that people in affluent countries don’t want to change their lifestyle. Affluent countries are less affected by global warming than countries responsible for a fraction of global emissions. All the emissions from manufacturing follow suit.

[fasterik]

It's not primarily a lifestyle issue, and the problem is no longer primarily developed countries. Per-capita carbon emissions in developed countries have decreased 30% in the past 20 years, and energy demand has remained relatively constant, in fact decreasing slightly in some places due to increases in efficiency. Meanwhile, developing countries like China and India are projected to account for 35-40% of total global emissions in the next decade, far outweighing the impact of individual lifestyle choices in the West.

Of course, people should do everything they can to reduce or offset their own emissions. But the solution is going to have to be societal, keeping up with energy demand by adding more nuclear, solar, and wind to the grid.

[brewdad]

China and India currently make up 35% of the global population. So saying they account for 35%of emissions is to be expected.

[budududuroiu]

> Meanwhile, developing countries like China and India are projected to account for 35-40% of total global emissions in the next decade, far outweighing the impact of individual lifestyle choices in the West.

Sure, but that's still mostly driven by Western demand for... Stuff. I'd like to see that share of global emissions if the West was still industrialised and didnt rely on China to be its factory

[fasterik]

80% of China's manufacturing output is consumed domestically. Of the goods exported from China, only about 15% go to the United States. While that still represents a lot of exports in absolute terms, it's simply false to say that it's "mostly driven by Western demand for stuff".

[neochief]

I found your claim hard to believe, so I fact checked it, and it turned out mostly correct. Thanks!

[Ekaros]

35-40% considering their population and Africa still not getting their people to same consumption level as west seems entirely reasonable.

[jwrallie]

It also includes social pressure, try to have a kid and no car, people will look at you like you are crazy. I even live in a country with great public transportation.

[aniviacat]

The EU has less than half the emissions per capita compared to the USA.

The USA has uniquely high emissions (matched only by a couple oil states). This is not solely explained with affluency.

[yowayb]

As a nomad, can confirm. Coming back to America, the scale and quality of materials is remarkable.

[grosswait]

Could you elaborate on your observations?