Compared to the average European, how do American greenhouse gas emissions stack up?

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Prepare for the UCF INR2002 International Relations exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready to excel!

American greenhouse gas emissions are generally higher than those of the average European citizen. This discrepancy can be attributed to several factors including differences in energy consumption patterns, transportation habits, and industrial practices.

The United States has a larger land mass and a population that relies more heavily on automobiles for transportation, leading to greater carbon emissions from transportation. Additionally, the energy sources used in the U.S. often still include a significant portion of fossil fuels, which contributes further to greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast, many European countries have been proactive in implementing policies aimed at reducing emissions, utilizing a combination of renewable energy sources, and encouraging public transportation and lower-carbon alternatives. As a result, on average, Europeans tend to have a smaller carbon footprint than Americans. This reflects broader trends in environmental policy and public awareness related to climate change in different regions. Thus, the assertion that American emissions are higher than those of the average European is consistent with current data and studies on greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.