The U.S. ranks 1st in non-methane VOC emissions

According to the World Resources Institute, in 2000 (the most recent year available on their website) the United States emitted 19,042.50 metric tonnes of non-methane volatile organic compounds, which is enough to make the United States rank first in that category out of 217 ranked countries.

The U.S. ranks 2nd in CO2 emissions from consumption of energy

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2009 the United States emitted 5,424.53 million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide from the consumption of energy, which is enough to make the United States rank second in that category. China ranks first, emitting 7706.83 million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide.

Prepared by Dan Witkowski

The U.S. ranks 9th in greenhouse gas intensity

According to the World Resources Institute, in 2005 the United States emitted 23.4 metric tonnes (CO2 equivalent) of greenhouse gases per capita, which makes the United States rank ninth out of one hundred eighty-six countries ranked in that category. Qatar ranked first, emitting 68.9 metric tonnes per capita.

The U.S. ranks 1st in flourinated gas emissions

According to the World Resources Institute, in 2005 the United States emitted 175,413.8 metric tonnes (carbon dioxide equivalent) of flourinated gases, or 33.3% of the world’s total flourinated gas emissions. That was enough to make the United States rank first in that category.

The U.S. ranks 24th in carbon intensity

According to the World Bank’s 2010 World Development Report, in 2005 the United States produced .047 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide for every $1000 of GDP. That was enough to make the United States tied for twenty-fourth with India out of sixty-five countries ranked in that category. Uzbekistan ranked first at 2.10 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide for every $1000 of GDP.

The U.S. ranks 7th in per capita CO2

According to the World Resources Institute, in 2003 the United States emitted 19.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person, which made the United States rank seventh in that category. Qatar ranked first, emitting 44.4 tonnes per person.

The U.S. ranks 24th in particulate pollution

According to the World Bank, Los Angeles has a particulate pollution amount of thirty four micrograms per cubic meter, which makes the United States tied for twenty fourth (with the Netherlands [Amsterdam] in terms of nations sorted by their cities with the highest particulate pollution levels. Egypt ranks first, with Cairo’s particulate pollution level at 169 micrograms/cubic meter.

The U.S. ranks 2nd in sulfur dioxide

According to the World Resources Institute, in 2000 the United States emitted 17,866,000 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, or 11.9% of the world’s total sulfur dioxide emissions. That was enough to make the United States rank second in that category. China ranked first, emitting 34,204,700 tonnes, or 22.8% of the world total.

The U.S. ranks 3rd in garbage

According to the Conference Board of Canada, the United States ranks third (out of fifteen peer countries) in terms of the amount of municipal waste generated per person. Canada generates the most waste per person.

The U.S. ranks 2nd in carbon dioxide emissions

According to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, by 2006 China overtook the United States for the top spot in carbon dioxide emissions. The United States now ranks second in that category.