Burning fuels in power plants or motor vehicles emit carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Table 1.3 displays CO2 emissions per person from countries with populations of at least 20 mil.

Why do you think we choose to measure emissions per person rather than CO2 emissions for each country?

I know this is a really simple question, but for some reason I just don't get it. My guess for why they do it per person would be because they want to see how much each person contributes in a country, rather than how much the country is in total? I don't really get why this is being asked because I feel like measuring emission per person or country is both good...

Is it also because it may vary exactly how many million people live in a country, so taking the average per person is a lot easier to compare than average per country?

Measuring CO2 emissions per person rather than CO2 emissions for each country allows for a more precise understanding of the individual impact of each person within a country. Here are a few reasons why measuring emissions per person is valuable:

1. Fairness and accountability: Measuring emissions per person helps to distribute responsibility more equitably. It recognizes that some countries have larger populations than others, making a direct comparison of total emissions misleading. By dividing emissions by population, we get a better understanding of the per capita contribution to the issue.

2. Identifying high emitters: Calculating emissions per person helps to identify countries with high levels of individual emissions. Even if a country has low total emissions, it may have a high per capita emission rate due to a small population size. This metric highlights the countries where efforts to reduce emissions could be most impactful.

3. Targeting policies and interventions: Understanding emissions per person can inform policy decisions aimed at reducing carbon footprints. It allows governments to identify sectors or regions within a country that may require more attention in terms of energy efficiency, transportation, or other areas contributing to high per capita emissions.

4. International comparisons: Measuring emissions per person enables comparisons across countries, regardless of their size or population. This metric provides a way to assess the relative impact of different countries on global emissions and better understand their individual contribution to climate change.

5. Setting goals and evaluating progress: Per capita emissions provide a measurable indicator for setting reduction targets and tracking progress over time. By comparing historical data with current emissions, countries can evaluate the effectiveness of their emission reduction initiatives and adjust their strategies accordingly.

In summary, measuring CO2 emissions per person allows for a fairer assessment of individual contributions, aids policy targeting, facilitates international comparisons, and helps monitor progress toward emissions reduction goals.

If you talk about the average per person, how do you think this would effect individuals' feeling of responsibility for CO2 emissions?

I hope this helps.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that! Per person definitely puts it in a more personal perspective. I just wasn't sure if this question is looking for a more common sense or mathematical answer.