A groundbreaking new study has found that the world’s richest 10% have caused two-thirds of global warming since 1990, significantly contributing to the droughts, heat waves, and extreme weather events devastating poorer regions of the world.
While previous research has shown that higher-income groups disproportionately emit greenhouse gases, this study, published in Nature Climate Change, is the first to link wealth inequality directly to specific climate impacts. The findings offer a compelling argument for wealth taxes and targeted climate policies, highlighting affluent individuals’ outsized role in accelerating climate breakdown.
“Our study shows that extreme climate impacts are not just the result of abstract global emissions; they’re directly tied to lifestyle and investment choices linked to wealth,” said Sarah Schöngart, climate modelling analyst and lead author. “Wealthy emitters are a major driver of climate extremes, reinforcing the case for policies that reduce their carbon footprint.”
The analysis underscores the injustice at the heart of the climate crisis: high-income individuals in developed nations drive emissions through consumption and investments. At the same time, poorer communities—often in equatorial regions—suffer the most from the consequences.
The study adds to the growing body of evidence calling for a more equitable approach to climate action, one that places the burden of responsibility on those most able to pay and most responsible for the damage. Read More
News Credit: The Guardian
Picture Credit: Hassan Ali Elmi/AFP/Getty Images