Who is the most polluter on the planet?

The information provided by Khory Hancock, The United States and China are the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Because these two countries are the world's major industrial powers, any effort to address the climate catastrophe will need significant sacrifices from these two superpowers.

Mining and manufacturing fires have been the most significant contributors to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions throughout the last century. This is due to the high energy requirements of turning metal into steel and heating concrete in a 1400degC kiln.

These emissions, however, do not always have to be linked to the most prominent industries. Other types of pollution, like deforestation and natural gas combustion, can also contribute to global warming.

In terms of emissions per capita, the Chinese are the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Nonetheless, they use far fewer fossil fuels on average than Americans.

The top five plastic makers generate roughly half of the global garbage. However, the United Nations' New Plastics Economy Global Commitment strives to limit single-use plastics and encourage the production of more environmentally friendly items.

However, the Trump administration has withdrawn financial obligations to assist impoverished nations in combating climate change and has stated unequivocally that it will not sign on to the Paris Climate Agreement. As a result of this lack of ambition, the planet is becoming increasingly exposed to the intensifying effects of global warming.