World’s richest 10% produce half of carbon emissions while poorest 3.5 billion account for just a tenth
The poorest half of the world’s population…is responsible for just 10 percent of carbon emissions, despite being the most threatened by…severe weather shocks linked to climate change…The Oxfam report, “Extreme Carbon Inequality,” provides new estimates of the lifestyle consumption emissions of rich and poor citizens in different countries…The report…makes clear the extent of this inequality in emissions responsibility – globally, within and between countries…According to the report, the only people who benefit from the status quo and who stand to gain from a weak deal in Paris is a select group of billionaires, who have made many of their fortunes in the fossil fuel industry. Tackling the economic inequality that these ‘carbon barons’ thrive on is critical both to ending extreme poverty and fighting climate change…Oxfam is also calling for the Paris deal to recognize the need to address…damage…as well as ensure that all…actions respect human rights and gender equality.