A new study (I link it here) argues that the fight against inequality is essential to tackle the climate problem.
The analysis, conducted by researchers at Salem State University and University College London, found that the gap between rich and poor also makes it more difficult to address climate change.
In other words, the ideal recipe would be a paradigm shift, rather than spending money on global warming programs in an isolated way. Governments should focus on developing employment and improving social services.
Inequalities? Enemies of men and also of the planet
The growing gap between the rich and the financially precarious is fueling the climate crisis, the study notes. Often those who have more money and resources at their disposal, spend most of them in hobbies or activities that damage the planet.
An example? A report last year showed that a small number of wealthy frequent flyers are responsible for the majority of air travel on the planet. For one thing, in 2017 alone the billionaire Bill Gates (which also finances green activities and also writes books on the subject) flew 59 times, generating over 1.600 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Not just a moral issue
One of the co-authors of the new study, Professor Neal Healy of Salem State University, has quite clear ideas: “We have to address inequalities primarily for moral reasons, but not only. Our study showed that there are actually also good climatic reasons for tackling inequalities ”.
It is not just about the rich and their eccentric habits, though: the issue is also about the social climate, which is creating a deeply fractured society all over the world.
Professor Fergus Green from University College London, co-author of the study, is certain: “Inequalities they erode the social foundations of democracy, making it more difficult to develop collective responses to climate change.”
Mandatory living wages (by the way: have you signed up for the universal minimum wage?) and not only. Taxes on wealth, free transport, reforms to facilitate remote work and the planet will thank us. Let's help each other!
