In a chart comparing populations, GDP, and greenhouse gas emissions, the NYT used exchange rate measures of GDP rather than purchasing power parity measures. This gives a hugely distorted picture, since exchange rates can be arbitrary and fluctuate widely. The difference matters hugely in the case of China. The chart shows China's GDP as being equal to 6 percent of world GDP. On a purchasing power parity basis, China accounts for close to 20 percent of world GDP.
The American Prospect is nonprofit, reader-funded journalism—and we need your help.
Our reporters dig deep, hold power to account, and explain how policy shapes people’s lives. If you value independent journalism that goes beyond the headlines, now’s the time to support it.
Here’s how you can help: • Donate to power fearless reporting
• Subscribe to get our print magazine 6x/year.
