China’s booming economy is expected to consume more than half of the world’s key resources within a decade, according to Rio Tinto.

The rapid industrialization of China’s economy means that it is likely to consume a majority of the world’s supply of all the major metals and minerals, potentially leading to clashes with other countries over access to resources. Rio Tinto, the world’s second-largest miner, said last week that China already accounted for 47 per cent of all iron ore consumption, 32 per cent of aluminum and 25 per cent of copper.

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It’s not exactly great news, but as an American it takes a bit of the weight off my shoulders when I hear that another country may actually be surpassing us in at least one aspect of environmental degradation… that is until you realize that these resources will be mostly needed to supply our own demand for Wal-Mart items made in China.