We drive cars, heat our homes, use electricity, and so on. The EU has a population of 370million, emitting 11 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in greenhouse gases per person per year. The USA has a population of 280million, emitting 24 tonnes per person per year. It's that simple, despite Professor Stott's sound and fury. Furthermore, according to EU data, France is the closest of all to being on course to meet its Kyoto target, contrary to Professor Stott's assertion.
Land area makes something of a difference, but is of second-order importance.
In large part, it is the political power of the fossil fuel industry. No expense is spared to make sure that big oil rules the roost. Since President Bush's father committed the USA to stabilising its emissions by the year 2000, they have risen by 12 percent. The EU has indeed stabilised its emissions, though in part through luck. Finally, Professor Stott's claim that the science of climate change is in serious doubt is false.