Stevelia Aufi sits on the spot where her home once stood, before Cyclone Freddy destroyed it. Photo: Thoko Chikondi / Oxfam

Climate and inequality

The climate crisis is unequal and unfair - the richest have the most responsibility

Sweden's responsibility in the climate crisis

October 2024: New report on the impact of Swedish emissions

Sweden's responsibility in the climate crisis

The climate crisis is unequal

At Oxfam, we know that climate change, poverty and inequality are linked.

Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and cyclones, are becoming more frequent, hitting those who are already most vulnerable the hardest. For example, people in poor countries are five times more likely to be displaced by extreme weather events than those in rich countries. Warming also affects the livelihoods of poor people, for example through reduced or lost harvests.

At the same time, those who make the most money also emit by far the most carbon dioxide.

The richest 1% emit as much as two-thirds of humanity does together
The poorest 50% account for less than 10% of global emissions
The richest 10% account for 50% of all emissions

In recent decades, carbon emissions have increased dramatically and the remaining carbon budget has been eaten up at a rapid pace. These increased emissions have come mainly from increased consumption by the already well-off, not from people lifted out of poverty.

This combination is what is known as climate inequality. For over a decade, Oxfam has been campaigning to raise awareness of the inequality of the climate crisis and urging world leaders to take action.

Read our reports on the inequalities behind the climate crisis

Inequality behind the climate crisis

How we work

We are working for a just climate transition: one where those who have contributed most to the crisis also take the greatest responsibility for solving it, and where affected communities are supported. We do this in several ways.

Developing research and influencing for change

Several times a year, we produce research showing who emits the most, what the consequences are, and what policy makers should do to change the situation.

With our in-depth expertise, we urge politicians and businesses to act. Some of our standing proposals include limiting economic growth in sectors that harm the climate and taxing the wealthiest individuals. For the climate transition to succeed, it must also be equitable and fair.

Data from Climate Equality (2023, Oxfam)

Supporting those affected by climate change

Poor people and countries are also the most affected by the consequences of the climate crisis. When climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, earthquakes or other natural disasters strike, we are there to help with the most urgent needs. With our expertise in water and sanitation, we are there quickly to ensure that people can survive to rebuild their communities.

Our disaster work

Galmo Walo Galagalo is a program participant in Oxfam's project in Funanqumbi. She washed her hands after fetching water from the new water station. Photo: Mark Wahwai/Oxfam

Building for a sustainable future

Together with partner organisations, we are on the ground where climate change is already leaving its mark. For example, we are training farmers in farming methods suited to a changing climate, such as our collaboration with Axfood.

Read about cooperation

Climate inequality in Sweden

In Sweden, the differences in emissions between income groups are large. A person from the 1% with the highest income emits 42 tons of CO₂ per person per year - almost 10 times more carbon dioxide than someone from the 50% with the lowest income (4 tons of CO₂ per person per year). The total emissions of the 1% with the highest income represent almost as much emissions as all trucks in Sweden emit each year (4.6 million tons of CO₂).

The richest 10% emit 15 tons of CO₂ per person per year, accounting for 22% of the country's emissions - as much as all road transport in Sweden each year.

Sweden's prime minister and all ministers belong to the 1% with the highest income. They therefore belong to the group that will have to reduce their emissions by 93% by 2030 if we are to achieve our climate goals. The fact that the politicians responsible for putting forward and voting for proposals to reduce emissions are themselves part of the group that emits the most is problematic and risks slowing down the transition we need.

The consequences of Swedes' emissions

Not everyone is equally to blame for Sweden's emissions, but the fact is that our emissions have consequences in the world.

One year of current Swedish consumption-based emissions will result in more than 4,600 heat-related deaths worldwide over the next 100 years. People in low- and lower-middle-income countries will be hit hardest.