Here are the top 6 polluters in the world

The Associated Press

6. Germany

Germany's emissions are down 25 percent against 1990 levels. To comply with 2020 European Union-set goals, Germany must reduce greenhouse gases 40 percent by 2020. Germany has in recent years seen back-to-back emissions increases due to higher demand for electricity and a switch to coal after Fukushima, which prompted a nuclear power phase-out.

The Associated Press

5. Japan

The shuttering of its nuclear power plants after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster forced a change in plans to curb carbon pollution. In November, Japanese officials said they would reduce greenhouse gases 3.8 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. With more fossil fuels, Japan's emissions will be up 3 percent from 1990 levels.

The Associated Press

4. Russia

Russia never faced mandatory cuts under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. Russia in 2013 adopted a domestic greenhouse gas target that would trim emissions 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. Russia's carbon dioxide emissions today average 35 percent lower than 1990 levels. Russia has set a goal for 2020 of boosting energy efficiency 40 percent and expanding renewable energy 4.5 percent.

The Associated Press

3. India

The U.S.-China agreement puts pressure on the Indian government. Meantime, India plans to double coal production to feed a power grid still suffering blackouts. Its challenge: to curb greenhouse gases as its population and economy grow. In 2010, India committed to a 20 percent to 25 percent cut in carbon emissions relative to economic output by 2020 against 2005 levels.

The Associated Press

2. United States

The U.S. has never entered into a binding treaty to curb greenhouse gases. Nevertheless, it has cut more carbon pollution than any other nation. It is on pace to reduce emissions 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. The White House vowed in the China deal to double the pace of emissions reductions, lowering carbon pollution 26 percent to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025.

The Associated Press

1. China

China emits nearly twice the amount of greenhouse gases as the United States. China accounts for about 30 percent of global emissions. U.S. government estimates show China doubling its emissions by 2040, barring major changes. Beijing announced last month in a deal with Washington that it would stem greenhouse gas emission growth by 2030.