Just the Facts

Our Planet in Peril

Fifty years ago this month, the first Earth Day raised awareness about the environment and led to key protections. Yet today, much more needs to be done to stop the threat posed by climate change.

April 20, 2020

The Planet’s Top CO2 Emitters*

CO₂ is a greenhouse gas. Such gases are released when we burn fossil fuels (coal and oil, for example) to power homes, cars, and factories. This is the leading cause of climate change. These five countries emit the most CO₂ each year.

_{*Based on 2017 figures}

Write About It! Use the information on this page to write an argument about whether individuals and governments should do more to reduce the threat posed by climate change. Include at least three facts as evidence.

Geography

Human Environment Interactions

Teaching Resources

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