The wealthiest 1% of the world’s population were responsible for the emission of more than twice as much carbon dioxide as the poorer half of the world between 1990 and 2015, according to Oxfam and the Stockholm Environment Institute.

Carbon dioxide emissions rose by 60% over the 25 year period, but the increase in emissions from the richest 1% was three times greater than the increase from the poorest half. Overconsumption and the rich world’s addiction to high carbon transport were exhausting the “carbon budget”. (Reported in the The Humanist Sep/Oct 2020).

My comment: no society in history has survived for long when a tiny minority possesses more money than the rest of the population put together. not to mention emitting twice as much carbon dioxide than everyone else. In their own long-term interest the 1% should pay higher taxes, but also give more to charity and go for carbon neutrality (Mr. Bezos, are you listening? You advertise your company’s commitment to reducing emissions, but what about you and your rich friends?)