Inequality behind the climate crisis
A person from the richest 1% of Swedes emits almost 10 times more than someone from the poorest 50% of the population.
Swedish greenhouse gas emissions are expected to increase for the first time in 20 years. and Sweden has lostt its leading role on the climate issue. SAt the same time increasing inequality between different groups in Sweden is increasing.e. New research from Oxfam Sweden and the Stockholm Environment Institute shows that emissions differ greatly between different income groups. Greater ambition and targeted measures are now required in the the government's climate policy.
→ The richest 1% in Sweden emit 42 tons of CO₂ per person per year.
This is almost 10 times as much as someone from the 50% with the lowest income does (4 tons of CO₂ per person per year). The total emissions of the richest 1% represent almost as much emissions as all trucks in Sweden emit each year (4.6 million tons of CO₂). The richest 1% would have to reduce their emissions by 93% in bor 7 years to reach the 1.5 degree target.
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. This group must reduce their emissions by 82% over the next 7 years.
→ The Prime Minister of Sweden and all ministers belong to the 1% with the highest income.
They therefore belong to the group that must reduce their emissions by 93% in 7 years. The fact that the politicians responsible for presenting and voting for proposals that reduce emissions are themselves part of the group that emits the most is problematic and risks slowing down the transition we need.
"The extreme difference in emissions between income groups is striking, both in Sweden and globally. At the same time, it is vulnerable communities and people living in poverty and vulnerability that are already hardest hit by the consequences of the climate crisis. This is a double injustice. The human suffering is enormous and Sweden can and must take its responsibility."
Astrid Nilsson Lewis, report author and climate researcher Oxfam Sweden
Global: The richest 1% emits as much as two-thirds of humanity
Globally, emissions also differ greatly between different groups. Since the 1990s, the richest 1% have consumed twice as much of the carbon budget as the poorest half of the world's population combined. The richest 1% accounts for as much emissions as two-thirds of the world's population (5 billion people). The annual emissions of the richest 1% are so large that they completely eliminate the benefit of 1 million wind turbines.
The poorest half emit only 8% of emissions
The richest 10 % of the world emits 50 % of the emissions. This is compared to the poorest 50% (around 5 billion people) who account for only 8% of global emissions.
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The consequences
Those living in poverty are hardest hit
The impact of the climate crisis and transition is also unequal. Those responsible for the smallest share of emissions are hardest hit.. This is a double injustice. Globally, for example, extreme climate conditions have causedwidespread food and water shortages in East Africa, and more than 45 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Rich people can do more to protect themselves against climate change. They tend to live in more secure homes, on land that is not prone to flooding and other natural disasters, and have access to technology that can prevent the heat from becoming unbearable. They can often rely on savings and insurance to repair damage.
People in poverty and other marginalized groups instead tend to live in more vulnerable housing, which is often overcrowded, more prone to flooding and without access to air conditioning. Repeated heat waves, floods and droughts are therefore experienced very differently.
Policy measures affect people on lower incomes
In Sweden, we see that many of the policies put forward to mitigate climate change hit people in the lower income groups harder. At the same time, our data shows that the half of the Swedish population with the lowest income has reduced its emissions the most in Sweden. It is also the group that is hit hard by growing economic inequality and the policy measures put forward. Many people today find it difficult to switch if they do not receive the support they need to do so. Increasing economic inequality, which means that many people are struggling, thus stands in the way of the climate transition.
"The richest are fueling the climate crisis while ordinary people are being hit hard. It is clear that not everyone bears equal responsibility for the climate crisis. Inequality is a deadly component of the climate transition that creates a breeding ground for political discontent and reduced trust in democracy."
Hanna Nelson, report author and policy manager Oxfam Sweden
Capacities and responsibilities
The richest have the greatest capacity and responsibility for the transition.
It is easy to answer the question of who needs to act. They are the richest countries, companies and individuals who have both the capacity and the responsibility to solve the crisis. Their excess carbon dioxide emissions must be reduced radically and immediately. Such of the emissions of the very richest the richest come from non-essential consumption, known as luxury consumption such as private jets, luxury yachts or multiple large homes. Dhis type of consumption can and must reduce if youlbart.
The power and influence of the rich over politics, the economy and society must also be reduced. They often have significant influence over policy and the ability to block policies and legislation that could combat the climate crisis and inequality - because they benefit from the status quo.
The richest individuals, companies and countries also have the capacity and responsibility to finance the necessary climate transition. This should be done through a redistributive policy, for example through new taxes or increased tax levels on the very richest. The richest countries must also deliver on their promises and provide climate finance to countries with widespread poverty and particular vulnerability to climate change.
It is not too late
An equal and fair climate transition is possible
Oxfam Sweden presents 14 proposals to the Swedish government and parliament for a fair and equitable climate transition with three main tracks:
→ A radical increase in equality - especially economic equality
→ A rapid and fair phase-out of fossil fuels
→ A new economic model for humanity and planetary well-being
→ Tax the very richest
Oxfam Sweden proposes a permanent wealth tax and a a temporary tax on extraordinary profits for companies; and a permanent increase in the tax level on income for the richest one percent. The tax should apply to income from work and capital and have a higher tax level for multi-billionaires..
These taxes would both reduce the emissions footprint of the richest and generate the funding needed for an equitable and fair climate transition. Those with the most resources and responsibility for the crisis should also reasonably contribute more to the solutions/financing.
→ Adopt a climate action plan that ensures that Sweden takes responsibility for limiting emissions, in line with science, the Paris Agreement and taking into account the equity aspect.
Sweden's climate action plan must respect the "fair share" principle share"(that countries' efforts must reflect their level of responsibility). For the plan to be equitable, emission reduction targets must take into account the emissions and responsibilities of different income groups, rather than relying on national resources.
→ Limiting economic growth in sectors that damage the climate and cause human suffering
A successful and equitable climate transition requires changes to the dominant economic model based on consumption-driven growth. We need an economic model based on the well-being of all humanity and the planet. GDP is an outdated measure of success.
→ The growth of deeply polluting industries such as fossil fuels and fast fashion simply has to stop.
→ Reduce and tax over-consumption, especially luxury consumption.
To tackle the climate crisis, we need to reduce inequality.
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