According to Khare and Beckman (2013), several factors determine how much energy is used by a country. The population is one of the top factors that determine the amount of energy used by a country. Highly populated countries such as China and India tend to use more energy than less populated countries. With a population of over 1.3 billion people, China’s domestic sector consumes a considerable amount of energy (the United States Energy Information Administration, 2015). On the other hand, less populated countries such as the Maldives consumes less amount of energy. Industrialization is another factor that defines the amount of energy used in a country. Industrialized countries such as the United States used more energy than those which are not.
Factors That Influence the Fuel Choices
Fuel choice is influenced by several factors, the top of which is the cost. People often prefer using less costly fuel. In both the developed and developing economies, there is always an attempt by both the domestic and industrial users of energy to go for the option that is least costly (Su & Thomson, 2016). The level of pollution is another important factor. Many countries, institutions, and individuals are now embracing green energy to protect the environment. It has become clear both to the industrial sector and domestic users that climate change is real and its consequences are devastating. As such, people consider sustainability to be a major determinant of the choice of fuel they use. They have realized that they have no option but to embrace the use of clean energy.
The United States and China
China, one of the fastest developing major economies in the world, has already overtaken the United States as the world’s leading emitter of greenhouse gases. In this section, the researcher will focus on common fuel sources, emissions, and total energy consumption in the two countries
Primary Sources of Emissions
The industrial sector is the primary source of emission of greenhouse gases, especially in highly industrialized countries such as China and the United States. Major manufacturing companies produce significantly high levels of greenhouse gases and other pollutants which are very harmful to the environment. The transport sector is another major source of emissions. The airplanes, ships, trains, and vehicles all have a significant role in the emission of carbon-related gases. As Willems (2012) notes, a significant amount of emissions also come from the domestic sector. Most homes use gas and paraffin for heating and lighting. In developing regions, they use firewood for heating.
Industrial Profile of the Country
China is a highly industrialized country that has outsmarted all the other countries in the world in terms of trade in industrialized products. It is also the current top emitter of greenhouse gases, surpassing the United States. It is the most populous nation in the world and has one of the fastest developing economies in the world.
Similarities and Differences in the Fuel Sources, Emissions, and Consumption
In both the United States and China, the primary source of fuel is a fossil fuel, especially petrol and gas. The two countries are also the top consumers of oil and gas for both their domestic and industrial use. They are the top emitters of greenhouse gases. The difference between the two countries is that the United States is moving towards the use of green energy at a faster rate than China. This move has seen the number of gases emitted by the United States reduce significantly compared with that of China.
The Countries’ Levels Of Involvement in Worldwide Emissions Regulations
The United States and China have taken a leading role in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions. During the Sustainable Energy Forum (COP 21) that took place in Paris, France in 2015, both the United States and China made commitments that they will try and reduce their emissions significantly in line with the proposals made by the experts (Su & Thomson, 2016). The United States has been working on various programs to help cut down on its emissions (CIA, 2015). It is one of the leading countries that have invested heavily in alternative energy sources as a sign of its commitment towards a green energy economy.
Necessary Regulations to Energy Use in High-Demand Countries
In countries with a high demand for energy such as China and the United States, it is necessary to come up with rules and regulations about the use of energy. The governments of both countries, working closely with the international community, should come up with policies that would cap emissions for individual companies. Su and Thomson (2016) propose that governments in industrialized countries should develop regulations that would require companies to invest a percentage of their income in the development of renewable sources of energy. These firms should also be expected to generate a percentage of the energy they use from renewable sources. In the real estate industry, there should be a requirement that all homes should be fitted with renewable energy systems based on suitability. Solar panels, windmills, and biogas should be common for domestic users.
How High-Use and Low-Use Countries Can Work to Reduce Overall Emissions
According to Khare and Beckman (2013), carbon cap and trade is the most effective way through which high-use and low-use countries can work together to reduce the overall emissions of greenhouse gases. Carbon capping and trade should be promoted in both countries as a way of encouraging the use of sustainable sources of energy. Firms that emit greenhouse gases that are less than the set levels should be rewarded. On the other hand, companies whose level of emissions exceeds the set levels should pay a given amount of money as fine. As Khare and Beckman (2013) note, carbon trading tends to promote the use of sustainable energy in high-demand countries.
How to Address Cultural Differences and Diversity Concepts
It is important to appreciate that in the partnership that seeks to reduce greenhouse emissions in the world, issues such as cultural differences and diversity concepts may emerge. These are issues that may affect the relationship between the countries as they try to fight emissions of carbon-related gases. The best way of addressing such challenges is to emphasize the need for the countries to focus on the ultimate goal of conserving our environment. Cultural differences and diversity should not stand in the way of environmental conservation (Willems, 2012). Both countries can continue embracing their cultural practices but in a way that does not jeopardize the partnership in the fight to conserve the environment.
Low and High Use Countries Can Bridge Cultural Differences
According to Khare and Beckman (2013), low and high use countries can bridge cultural differences through a strategic partnership to enable the work closely in reducing the overall emission of greenhouse gases. Through a strategic partnership, the two countries can agree on some policy issues that primarily focus on environmental conservation. They can come up with a framework that allows each of them to continue with their cultural practices but in a way that is in line with the regulations set in the partnership. Through a strategic partnership, the two countries may reach a consensus on contentious issues to help ensure that a sustained relationship is developed to help conserve the environment.
References
CIA. (2015). The world factbook. Web.
Khare, A., & Beckman, T. (2013). Mitigating climate change: The emerging face of modern cities. Berlin, Germany: Springer.
Su, B., & Thomson, E. (2016). China’s energy efficiency and conservation: Household behaviour, legislation, regional analysis and impacts. New York, NY: Springer.
United States Energy Information Administration. (2015). International energy statistics. Web.
Willems, P. (2012). Impacts of climate change on rainfall extremes and urban drainage systems. London, UK: IWA.