Green Daily

You might want to reconsider the fireworks tonight - an independent study says that the US has the worst track record of all G8 nations when it comes to reducing carbon emissions.

The G8 Climate Scorecard rates the member countries of the Group of 8 industrialized nations - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the US - on their efforts to fight climate change. The US ranked last, with Canada not far behind (ahead?).

That said, the bar was set pretty low. The report, commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund and insurance company Allianz SE, notes that none of the 8 countries are doing nearly enough to reduce emissions to levels that will avoid climate disaster. Britain, France, and Germany lead the pack, but according to the report are only achieving about half of what's necessary.

The US was criticized specifically for low energy efficiency, but hope was held out in the form of legislation being considered by Congress and the activities of non-governmental groups.