The CO2 emissions of the richest 1 percent of the world are more than double the emissions of the poorest half of the world’s population. This is stated in a report by development organization Oxfam Novib.
The study investigated the CO2 emissions of various income groups worldwide between 1990 and 2015. The richest 1 percent, about 63 million people, was found to be responsible for 15 percent of carbon dioxide emissions during this period. The poorest half of humanity, more than 3 billion people, causes only 7 percent of CO2 emissions.
Transport, in particular, contributes to the high CO2 emissions of the rich, especially flying.
“Decades of government policy aimed at endless economic growth have brought us to the brink of climate disaster,” says Oxfam Novib’s climate expert Bertram Zagema. “It is mainly the poorest in developing countries who pay the price.”
‘Tough requirements for corona support packages’
According to Oxfam Novib, the biggest polluters have the greatest responsibility to tackle the problem. For example, governments must set strict requirements for corona support packages for companies, including the reduction of CO2 emissions, says Zagema.
Income from taxes on CO2 should, according to Oxfam Novib, be invested in low-carbon sectors, such as healthcare, public transport and renewable energy. This creates jobs, reduces emissions and tackles poverty and economic inequality, says the development organization.
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