South Korea
It's no surprise that worry about global warming is high among South Koreans. Its former foreign minister, and now secretary general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has tirelessly sounded the alarm, as has current President Lee Myung-bak. The country is also one of the highest emitters of carbon dioxide among OECD countries and ranks above India and China in greenhouse gas emissions per capita. Left unchecked, the country's emissions are expected to grow steadily through 2020. The country's leadership, however, appears committed to not only reversing this trend, but profiting from it. President Lee has steered the country on a path toward "green growth" that would see South Korea not only curb its own emissions but lead the way in developing commercial products - high efficiency electronics, car batteries, etc. - essential to forging a low carbon future. Global Top 5s is a monthly feature by RealClearWorld.com powered by Gallup's worldwide research. Learn more at Gallup.com.
