Hm...

How does China have such high manufacturing output, especially with plastics, while consuming less than half as much oil as the United States? Nuclear power?

Coal, actually. You may recall reports regarding the extreme smog problems Beijing was experiencing leading up to the Olympics - that's why.

the PRC is the world's Saudi Arabia of Bituminous coal

In fact, oil is seldom used as a fuel source for electricity or manufacturing, even in the US, we use coal for that.

Very interesting! Thank you for the information.

Most of USA pop. live in cites or towns[urban] own vehicles! Have a larger carbon footprint than a Chinese or Indian or any other Asian! most of pop in Asia live in villages are farmers/odd jobs, dont own vehicles for personal or for agriculture use! bottom line Americans over do it! A 14 trillion economy should invest in less polluting modes of transport like HSRL not just planes which use up so much of fuel! No high speed rail in USA. that's embarrassing! Europe has it! need to make change at home & fast!!!