Who bears the weight of our carbon emissions?

The poorest people in the world are bearing the consequences of Sweden's greenhouse gas emissions, even though they are least responsible for the climate crisis. Oxfam is now launching a new campaign against climate inequality.

"We don't think many people think about how our emissions hurt people in poverty. Sweden needs to do more to tackle climate inequality and this is a way to get people engaged in the issue."

Robert Höglund Head of Communications Oxfam Sweden

The new initiative allows the public to take a stand against climate inequality by signing a petition. A three-meter-high statue illustrating the extreme climate inequality in the world has also been erected at Stureplan to draw attention to the issue.

"Swedes emit 10 tons of greenhouse gases per person per year. The figure seems theoretical, but these are real emissions that are doing damage here and now."

Robert Höglund Head of Communications Oxfam Sweden

Climate inequality in the world is extreme. The richest 10% account for around half of global carbon emissions while the poorest half account for only around 10%. People in poverty are both directly affected by the consequences of climate change through deadly storms, droughts and floods, but also take a long-term hit in the form of reduced economic development. Oxfam is calling on the Swedish government to do more to combat climate inequality. This includes introducing a target for total Swedish emissions that includes our imported consumption, and increasing climate finance to people in poverty, in addition to regular aid.