Wealth and Climate Change

The following table summarising the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the wealthiest 1% of the population compared to the poorest 50% in each of the OECD countries was generated in July 2023 by Bard AI using data from Oxfam. It is important to note that these figures only represent greenhouse gas emissions from consumption. They do not include emissions from production, such as emissions from the manufacture of goods and services. It is contended that, if production emissions were included, the disparity would be even greater.

Carbon Inequality

As you can see, the wealthiest 1% of the population in OECD countries emit significantly more greenhouse gases per capita than the poorest 50%. In the United States, the wealthiest 1% emit 260 tons of greenhouse gases per capita, compared to just 10 tons for the poorest 50%. This disparity is even more pronounced in other countries, such as Norway, where the wealthiest 1% emit 190 tons of greenhouse gases per capita, compared to just 3 tons for the poorest 50%.

This data suggests that the wealthiest 1% of the population are a major contributor to climate change pollution on a per-capita basis. Individually, they are emitting significantly more greenhouse gases per capita than the poorest 50%, and they are doing so through their consumption of goods and services.? 

It is essential that the wealthy reduce their GHG emissions if we are to address the climate crisis. This is because the poorer sectors of an economy are already producing far lower GHG emissions per capita, which means the scope for further reductions is limited. Not only are emission reductions among the less wealthy starting from a lower ceiling, the GHG they do produce is from consumption of a higher proportion of essential goods and services, i.e. consumption that is essential for a reasonable life. Added to that, the less well-off an individual is, the fewer options they have for choosing low-GHG goods and services because, regardless of personal wishes, they are forced to make their decisions based on price rather than what they perceive to be the right choice. 

What can be done

Of course, we all should make what changes we can, but without significant change from the richest sections of society, our impact on GHG reduction will be small. But it is not just down to individuals to make the necessary changes. 

 References / Further reading

Confronting Carbon Inequality - Oxfam