The glaring inequality of the climate crisis

New research, and the lived experiences of people around the world, show that economic inequality is a driving force of climate change — and the climate crisis is, in turn, having disproportionate impacts on marginalized and vulnerable communities. In the context of the COP26 summit currently underway, this relationship underscores the need for radical action that addresses both the climate and inequality crises.

Ottawa (09 Nov. 2021) — Inequality is deeply a part of the climate crisis, as both a cause and an effect. And, without intervention, it is projected only to get worse.

New report shows the world’s wealthiest are jeopardizing climate goals 

According to a new report from Oxfam out this week, the carbon footprint of the world’s richest 1% is on track to be 30 times the level compatible with the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement by 2030. This study builds on their 2020 report, which found that the carbon emissions of the richest 1% are more than double the emissions of the 3.1 billion people that make up the world’s poorest half (Oxfam).

To achieve the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the average emissions of each person in the world would need to be 2.3 tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2030. Most of the world’s population is well below this. 

The new study finds that, in 2030, the poorest half of the world’s population will still be emitting well below this level. The richest 1% and 10%, however, are on track to emit 30 times and 9 times this level, respectively.

Climate change and wealth inequality are linked

These numbers shine a light on the ever-increasing wealth inequality in our world, which has only gotten worse during the pandemic. 

They also show the interconnections between inequality and the climate crisis. Researcher Bruce Campbell digs into this issue, into Canada’s track record, and the need for fair taxation in a recent article in The Monitor.

Income and wealth inequality and the climate crisis stem from the same unequal global economic system.

Impacts on marginalized, vulnerable populations

It is no surprise, then, that climate change itself has disproportionate effects on already marginalized and vulnerable groups — globally and here in Canada.

This was evident with this summer’s heat waves and wildfires, as NUPGE wrote at the time. Most affected were people with low incomes, people experiencing homelessness, the elderly, and people with underlying health issues.

Environmental racism a clear example

It is also evident in the disproportionate impacts on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of colour) communities. BIPOC communities in Canada have been disproportionately affected by climate change and the pollution of water and lands. Just one example is the numerous Indigenous communities across Canada that do not have access to safe drinking water.

This is known as environmental racism, or “the inequitable and disproportionate placement of toxic facilities and other environmental hazards near communities of colour and the working poor” (ENRICH Project).

It contributes to unequal health impacts as well, which NUPGE has written about.

Gendered impacts too

Climate change also has disproportionate impacts on women, girls, and gender diverse people. This is particularly the case for those who are living in poverty, living with disabilities, or BIPOC.

For example, in extreme weather events and disasters, women are more likely to be displaced or lose their livelihoods. People with disabilities can face barriers to evacuating or finding accessible services (World Institute on Disability). 

During disasters, the risk of gender-based violence increases (IFRC). This means that those already at greatest risk of gender-based violence, such as women and transgender people, especially those from BIPOC communities, are especially vulnerable to rising violence due to climate change. 

These and other aspects of the gendered nature of environmental changes and climate change are outlined in a 2020 NUPGE report.

These voices must be heard

All of these unequal impacts make it clear that marginalized and vulnerable communities, who are most impacted by the climate crisis, must be at the table when it comes to developing solutions. Climate policy and action need to take into account these inequities. 

Contributing a fair share

The Oxfam study shows that fair taxation needs to be on the table as one tool in the climate policy toolbox. It can redistribute wealth to areas where public investment is needed, such as renewable energy, supports for workers impacted by the energy transition, and public services needed to adapt to the climate change.

The relationship between inequality and the climate also puts into perspective the responsibility of rich countries like Canada, which are responsible for a large share of climate change, to contribute their fair share to climate action and supporting those most impacted. Wealthy countries, including Canada, have so far fallen short on their climate finance commitments. The pressure is on for them to set more ambitious commitments — and to actually deliver on them.

Global action needed

As government representatives gather in Glasgow for COP26, inequality is difficult to ignore. 

Climate activists have pointed out that this year’s conference may be the most unequal and exclusionary ever. Communities in the Global South are the ones bearing the brunt of the effects of climate change, and yet are less likely to be represented at COP26, because they also face unequal access to vaccines — due, in no small part, to the influence of global corporations and trade rules. 

This is why labour activists who are engaging in COP26, alongside climate and other civil society activists, are calling for global climate action with social justice at the centre (ITUC). 

Inequality and climate change must be tackled together

Here in Canada, unions and allies will also be holding government accountable after COP26 is over. The pandemic has shown that governments are, in fact, able to mobilize resources and political will to meet a crisis head-on with the aim of protecting our most vulnerable and making sure that no one is left behind. 

Governments must take meaningful steps to tackle the climate crisis in a way that also addresses these various inequities — both between and within countries.