Since the industrial revolution, the amount of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere has increased dramatically. This is because a vast majority of the greenhouse gasses accumulating in our atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), are a result of our fossil fuels use for transportation and energy generation. According to the Energy Information Administration, a statistical agency of the U.S. Department of Energy, 85% of our nation’s energy comes from fossil fuels which results in 98% of our total CO2 emissions. Coal is an important part of this equation. While it accounts for only 52% of our energy generation, it is responsible for 83% of our electric related greenhouse emissions. Transportation, also a significant factor, makes up 23% percent of our nation’s total CO2 emissions.
In terms of countries, the largest per capita contributor to Global Warming is the United States. Though we make up just 4% of the world's population, we account for 25% of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As countries like India and China develop (one third of the world remains without electricity), they are following our lead by relying on coal for electricity and using traditional automobile technology for transportation. The result has been a dangerous exponential trend in carbon dioxide output found in the chart below.
It is important to note that at the same time carbon dioxide emissions are increasing, the amount of forests and other plant life on Earth is decreasing. Plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, and are therefore a vital part of preventing additional carbon from entering the atmosphere.
The above graph, however, is not without hope. The amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by Europe and Russia has declined since 1990. These countries were signatories of the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty which took effect in December of 1997 to reduce greenhouse gasses from 1990 levels. By increasing energy efficiency, vehicle mileage standards, use of renewable energy, and taking advantage of new technologies, they were able to reverse an international trend. Their deliberate efforts and dedication demonstrate that change is not only possible, it has the potential to reinvigorate economies.
For additional explanations and the common objections to global warming click here.