Two-thirds of global heating caused by richest 10%, study suggests
GuardianMAY 19
Study: World's Richest 10% Behind 65% of Global Warming
Above: The super yacht "Ice," is moored in Nice's harbor, on Oct. 19, 2011 in southeastern France. Image copyright: VALERY HACHE/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Progressive wealth taxes and carbon-intensive investment regulations could effectively limit the wealthy's outsized contribution to climate change, reduce global warming, and provide crucial funding for climate adaptation in vulnerable regions. Making wealthy polluters pay is not just about fairness — it's about leveraging one of the most powerful tools available to prevent catastrophic climate impacts.
Right narrative
Implementing targeted climate policies on specific income groups could unfairly burden successful individuals and businesses that drive economic growth and innovation. Broad-based market solutions and technological advancement, rather than punitive measures against the wealthy, are the most effective approaches to addressing climate change and maintaining economic prosperity.