In the last few years, China has become the world’s leading source of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, and its emissions are growing rapidly. China now produces about one-fifth of annual global carbon dioxide emissions, just ahead of the United States. China’s per capita emissions, however, are just one-quarter of U.S. levels due to its relatively large population and high rate of poverty. In 2006, for instance, the average American produced approximately 20 metric tons of carbon dioxide; the average Chinese produced just 5 metric tons.

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