Tag Archives: pollution

The United States vs. China

US and China compared - final graphicThe Guardian created this comparison of the U.S. and China, comparing several indicators such as GDP growth, GDP per capita, carbon emissions, exports, literacy rate, unemployment rate, military expenditure, outdoor pollution, to name a few.

The US is ahead of China in terms of literacy rate, number of internet users, military expenditure as a percentage of GDP, unemployment rate, GDP per capita, market capitalization, and social media. On the other hand, China is ahead of the U.S.  in terms of exports, GDP growth, number of people, carbon emission, and outdoor pollution.

While the U.S. has the largest deficit in its current account, China has the largest surplus.

Major Causes of Death in the 20th Century

This visualization by Information is Beautiful shows the major causes of death for the 20th century.

According to the data in this graphic, the most common causes of death were non-communicable diseases (excluding cancer) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, neuro-mental illness, and digestive illness; infectious diseases such as smallpox, diarrhea, malaria, tuberculosis, and respiratory diseases; death caused by humans such as murder, war, suicides, air pollution, drugs, and accidents; health complications, and cancer.

 

Fossil Fuel Subsidies Globally

Fossil fuel subsidies are very common in developing nations. Subsidies cover the difference between the price at which fossil fuels are sold inside the country and their actual price in international markets, creating a huge fiscal burden (an estimated $400 billion annually) for the countries that provide them. Developing nations with fossil fuel subsidies include: Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Kuwait, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, China, India, Indonesia, etc.

Developed nations also provide subsidies in the form of tax breaks to the oil industry and other measures (estimated at a cost of $45 to $75 billion per year). Nations in this group include many OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) members.

For the interactive map, visit: National Geographic: The Great Energy Challenge: Fossil Fuel Burden on State Coffers

 

Top Problems in Mexico

We recently came across the results of a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project. According to the survey, the top problems in Mexico as reported by Mexican citizens are:

  1. Crime
  2. Cartel-related violence
  3. Illegal drugs
  4. Economic problems
  5. Corruption
  6. Terrorism
  7. Pollution
  8. Emigration for jobs

Do you agree with the ranking above? Are there any problems that you believe are more important?