Making the Population and Global Warming Connection
What does population have to do with global warming? Plenty! Population growth, global warming and consumption patterns are inextricably linked in their collective global environmental impact. Did you know that during the 20th century, human population multiplied from 1.6 billion to 6.1 billion people, and that CO2 emissions grew twelve fold?
 Although the United States makes up only about 5 percent of the world's population, we create approximately 25 percent of the pollution that causes global warming. That makes us the biggest global warming polluter, contributing greenhouse gas emissions primarily from transportation, industry and power plant sources. As developing countries' contribution to global emissions grows, population growth rates become significant factors in magnifying the impacts of global warming as well.
There are Solutions
Reducing the world's heavy reliance on fossil fuels can help us turn down the heat and curb global warming. We have the technology today to implement real energy solutions that will move our country forward into a brighter energy future, setting a responsible example for other countries around the world.
 We must also work to slow population growth and foster sustainable, healthy communities. Increasing access to voluntary family planning services and advocating for women and girls' access to basic rights, including health care, education and economic opportunity, is a vital part of the solution.
Learn more out Sierra Club's Smart Energy Solutions and take action to help curb global warming today.
Read more about the population - global warming connection.
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