Answer to Question 1
ANSWER: The countries that contributed most CO2 historically, such as the United States and Canada, profited from unrestrained industrial development to become the wealthiest nations in the world. The countries that are today going through periods of rapid industrial development, such as China and India, feel that they too should be allowed to develop without environmental restraints. They argue that the industrialized nations must reduce their emissions first because they can better afford the associated costs. Without the cooperation of large emitters like China and India, the prospect for significant reduction of emissions is bleak. Furthermore, huge populations in Southeast Asia are so poor that they cannot afford to purchase more efficient fuels.
Answer to Question 2
ANSWER: Mitigation approaches include reduction of energy consumption, alternative energies, carbon trading, global cooperation, geoengineering, and sequestration of greenhouse gases.
Cyanobacteria of the (a) genus Synechococcus form (b) mats that line hot springs around the world.
Modern Human Fossil Sites in the Old World
How Fast is the World's Population Growing?
Global Migration and Settlement
Industry is responsible for 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Growth of World Trade, 1870–2010