Richest 1% Emit as Much CO2 as Poorest Two-Thirds of the World's Population

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Richest 1% Emit as Much CO2 as Poorest Two-Thirds of the World's PopulationNews > EnvironmentA new report by Oxfam reveals that the carbon emissions of the richest 1% are equal to those of the poorest two-thirds of the global population. In 2019, the carbon emissions of the super-rich accounted for 16% of the world's total, equivalent to the emissions produced by the poorest five billion people. The report highlights the stark climate inequality and the urgent need to address the rising costs of climate change.

What's happened

The carbon emissions of the richest 1% are equal to those of the poorest two-thirds of the global population.

Why it matters

The report exposes the significant disparity in carbon emissions between the super-rich and the rest of the world, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate inequality and ensure that the costs of climate change fall on those most responsible.

What the papers say

The Independent says the super-rich are 'plundering the planet' while the poor pay the price, highlighting the urgent need for climate justice. The Guardian's investigation, 'The Great Carbon Divide,' explores the causes and consequences of carbon inequality and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Both sources emphasize the stark difference in carbon footprints between the super-rich and the poor, with The Independent mentioning the unfairness of the situation.

How we got here

The report is based on research conducted by Oxfam and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and reveals the long-standing issue of climate inequality. The carbon emissions of the richest 1% have been consistently higher than those of the bottom half of humanity since the 1990s.