I think that growth of the global economy is the main reason why climate change is a big issue today. The global economy is much bigger than it was in 1960.
The US economy has grown also, but it's share of the entire global economy has gone down. Most of the global growth has been elsewhere, where much of the world's large population has risen out of poverty.
Size of the US economy, per person (per capita) is still close to top worldwide, but with only 347 million in US, versus 8 billion people worldwide, the US share of total economic production has gone down as a percent of world economy. Graph from 1960-2019 figures.
My views seen through the lens of my own interpretation.
I think the US gets too much of the blame for climate change, but the blame is somewhat merited as the US is a world leader. The US still sets the pace for much of the world, but the world follows.
I think some of the right wing trend in US is a reaction to being blamed. Human nature tends to rebel against criticism.
Since the last election brought Republicans back into power, the US government has basically given up on trying to address climate change. I think some of the psychology behind this is out of spite; like a kid in the classroom rebelling against being lectured at; especially while carbon emissions, worldwide, have outpaced US emissions.
Blame of US and other rich nations, from a world where carbon emissions are growing worldwide, has contributed to resentment politics and the rise of right wing politics.
Still emissions per person, in US, are among the highest in the world.
Car use, in US is around 92% of surface commutes, home sizes are larger also.
Worldwide, the total problem is bigger due to world population being 8 billion versus just 347 million. I saw, recently that commutes by car are around 51% globally now. Much of the world is now driving cars.
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