Planet Of The Year: What The U.S. Should Do

The U.S. has made significant strides in pollution control and energy conservation during the past 15 years, but the country remains the world's biggest user of natural resources and a major despoiler of the global environment. Because of the size of its economy, the U.S. consumes one-fourth of the world's energy each year. Yet, for a given amount of energy, the U.S. produces less than half as much economic output as Japan and West Germany. Meanwhile, the commitment to reduce pollution has flagged. Although the U.S. accounts for less than 5% of the global population, it generates 15% of the world's...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!