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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.
SOURCE: NOAA Shutterstock.com (grass, thermometer)
SOURCE: NOAA Shutterstock.com (grass)
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
SOURCE: World Economic Forum Jim McMahon/Mapman®
SOURCE: The Guardian/Ember Shutterstock.com (grass)
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.