Any news article discussing the arguments over limits on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that doesn't discuss per capita emissions deserves to be thrown in the waste basket. It is impossible say anything meaningful about the debate without pointing out, for example, that the United States emits approximately four times as much per person as China and about ten times as much as India.
Does anyone have a good argument as to why people in the United States should have a right to emit four times as much GHG as people in China and ten times as much as people in India? If the argument exists, it has not been widely publicized. By not discussing per capita emissions, the NYT and other news outlets are concealing what is really at issue in these discussions.
Unlike many news organizations, the Prospect has remained staunchly committed to keeping our journalism free and accessible to all. We believe that independent journalism is crucial for a functioning democracy—but quality reporting comes at a cost. From Trump’s threat to the free press to Musk’s influence on our democracy, there is too much at stake in 2025 to stop now.
We’re behind on our goal to raise $75,000 to continue delivering the hard-hitting investigative journalism you’ve come to expect from us. Your support helps us maintain our independence and dig deeper into the stories that matter most.
We need you to make a year-end contribution today. Any amount helps secure our future and ensure we can continue holding power to account.
