A new study found that the richest 1% of people in the world emit twice as much carbon into the atmosphere as the poorest half of the world's population.
The richest 10% of people in the world account for more than half of greenhouse gas emissions (52%) in the atmosphere, while the richest 1% account for 15%. This adds up to double the CO2 emissions of the poorest half of humanity.
Oxfam's new report, titled “Tackling Carbon Inequality,” is based on research from the Stockholm Environment Institute. He came out ahead of a meeting of world leaders at the UN General Assembly to discuss the various global challenges that humanity currently faces.
Tim Gore, head of climate policy at Oxfam, who wrote the report, said: «The overconsumption of resources by a wealthy minority is fueling the climate crisis, but the price is paid by poor communities and young people.»
If carbon emissions recover quickly from the relaxation of coronavirus-related restrictions, the carbon budget will be “completely depleted” by 2030. And even if all other emissions are reduced to zero, the richest 10% can still deplete their carbon budget by 2033.
“Governments should limit the emissions of the rich with taxes and bans on SUVs and frequent flying. Gore explained. «Revenues should be invested in public services and low-carbon sectors to create jobs and help end poverty.»
