Whether you believe in “global warming” or not, it is an undeniable fact that carbon emissions are contributing to the air pollution of the planet. Some say it is a necessary evil, while others continue to find alternate forms of renewable energy to lessen their carbon footprint. Here are the top three offending countries.

India

In third place, India creates 5.27 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. A majority of India’s emissions come from from heating, domestic uses and the power sector, with a sizeable remainder coming from transportation such as cars and trains. With 17 percent of the world’s population, India uses energy for this frequently.

United States

As one of the most prominent supporters of renewable energy, it may come as a shock to see that the United States is the second worst offender of carbon emissions in the world. A staggering 12 percent more carbon emissions than number three offender, India, with 17.84 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. With a population far less than China and India, the United States has its wealth to blame. Rather than use this wealth for renewable resources, the United States has continued to use the cheapest form of energy to produce more at a faster rate.

China

China is by far the worst offender, contributing more than a quarter of the carbon emissions in the world. With the largest population in the world, it is bound to create more energy than others. It has had a dependency on coal for so long that despite efforts to cut down and use other forms of energy, it has maintained its spot at the top of the list. This is most likely due to the fact that despite strict pollution restrictions, there is little enforcement as local communities and government officials will choose more efficient economic development over more environmental.
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