Final answer:
The question involves analyzing how changes in annual growth rates in GDP per capita and CO2 emissions impact countries economically and environmentally, demonstrating how even slight differences in growth rates can have substantial long-term effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question centers on the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, annual growth rates in real GDP per capita, and their implications for economic and environmental policies in different countries. The information provided indicates that smaller differences in economic growth rates can lead to significant changes over time due to compounding effects. For instance, an economy with a growth rate of 1% per annum will experience a 64% rise in GDP per capita over 50 years, whereas a growth rate of 5% will achieve almost comparable growth in just 10 years. This exemplifies how rapid economic growth can profoundly transform economies, as seen in the historical growth rates of countries like Japan, Brazil, and more recently, China and India.
Furthermore, the data presents a complex picture where some countries experienced rapid population growth without a corresponding increase in real per capita GDP, underscoring the notion that growth in per capita income involves factors beyond merely controlling population growth. The intricate interplay between economic expansion, emissions output, and population dynamics underscores the need for nuanced economic and environmental strategies.