in your journal, you identified a rate of proportionality that was too low or too high. You explained how a person could increase or reduce a rate of proportionality.

The table below shows the amount of carbon emissions in 2018 by typical people in different countries:

Person Metric Tons of Carbon Emitted
One person in Mauritania 1 metric ton of carbon
One person in Indonesia 2 metric tons of carbon
One person in Romania 4 metric tons of carbon
One person in Norway 7 metric tons of carbon
One person in the United States 15 metric tons of carbon

In your post, explain the meaning of this table to your peers:

Summarize the information that the table conveys.

Explain why it might be important for countries to know how many metric tons of carbon their citizens emit every year.

1 answer

The table presents a comparison of the annual carbon emissions per person in five different countries for the year 2018, measured in metric tons. The data shows a clear disparity in carbon emissions among the countries listed:

  • Mauritania: 1 metric ton of carbon per person
  • Indonesia: 2 metric tons of carbon per person
  • Romania: 4 metric tons of carbon per person
  • Norway: 7 metric tons of carbon per person
  • United States: 15 metric tons of carbon per person

Summary of the Information

The table highlights that individuals in the United States emit significantly more carbon than those in Mauritania, with a difference of 14 metric tons per person. This indicates that lifestyle, economic development, industry, energy consumption, and transportation choices contribute to higher carbon emissions in more developed countries. Meanwhile, countries like Mauritania, with lower emissions, may have less industrial activity or fewer resources for energy consumption, impacting their overall carbon footprint.

Importance of Emission Data

Understanding how many metric tons of carbon their citizens emit yearly is crucial for countries for several reasons:

  1. Climate Change Mitigation: Higher carbon emissions contribute to climate change, influencing global temperatures, weather patterns, and environmental health. By knowing their emissions, countries can better strategize to reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change.

  2. Policy Development: This data helps governments create informed environmental policies and regulations aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and promoting alternative energy sources.

  3. Setting Targets: Countries can set realistic and achievable targets for reducing emissions as part of international climate agreements, like the Paris Agreement, and assess their progress over time.

  4. Public Awareness: Emission rates can be a tool for raising public awareness about environmental issues. Understanding personal and national responsibilities can encourage citizens to adopt sustainable practices.

  5. Economic Planning: Countries with high emissions may need to innovate or invest in greener technologies, which can influence job creation, industry development, and long-term economic sustainability.

In summary, the table exemplifies a significant global issue, providing insight into how individual behaviors relate to national carbon footprints and highlighting the importance of taking action to reduce these emissions. Understanding these figures allows countries to address climate challenges more effectively and work towards a sustainable future.