For all the criticism (and self-criticism) directed at the US on this subject, the reality is that our carbon emissions are lower today than they were two decades ago.

PITTSBURGH — In a surprising turnaround, the amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere in the U.S. has fallen dramatically to its lowest level in 20 years, and government officials say the biggest reason is that cheap and plentiful natural gas has led many power plant operators to switch from dirtier-burning coal.

Many of the world’s leading climate scientists didn’t see the drop coming, in large part because it happened as a result of market forces rather than direct government action against carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.

huffingtonpost.com

Which is not to say that we could not do more, but let’s at least recognize that on the issue of addressing pollution and its effects, the reality is significantly different from the stereotype.