The wealthiest responsible for global warming? The figures 🌍

Economic inequalities have a direct impact on the climate. A recent study reveals how the wealthiest influence extreme weather events.


Published in Nature Climate Change, this research shows that the top 10% of the world's wealthiest are responsible for two-thirds of the global warming observed since 1990. Their emissions have also increased the frequency of heatwaves and droughts.

The wealthiest 1% contributed 26 times more than the global average to the rise in extreme heatwaves. Their activities have also worsened droughts in the Amazon, according to the analyzed data.

The study combines economic and climate models to link emissions to income groups. It highlights the disproportionate impact of the consumption and investment choices of the wealthiest. Their emissions are not limited to their direct energy consumption. They also include investments in polluting industries, such as fossil fuels. These choices have a cumulative impact on the climate, amplifying extreme events.

Tropical regions, like the Amazon and southern Africa, suffer the most severe consequences. Yet, these areas have historically contributed little to global emissions.

According to the researchers, reducing emissions from the wealthiest could significantly limit global warming. The study suggests that making major individual polluters pay could fund adaptation in vulnerable countries. An approach that could strengthen social acceptance of climate measures.

Traditional climate policies often target national averages, overlooking internal disparities. However, reducing emissions from the wealthiest could have an amplified effect on the climate.