The top 10% - and what it means to you

Have you ever heard someone say that there are too many people on Earth? It’s a common claim in the media, but the truth is that the emissions from the bottom 50% of the population are almost negligible. The distribution of emissions is far from equal.

In fact, the top 10% of the world’s population is actually responsible for 50% of the emissions. And 1% of the worlds population emit 50% of aviation related emissions!

That’s a lot! But don’t worry, as you can see, our combined emissions matter, and thus our actions, our agency. Your agency can make a gigantc difference. Why? See some stats.

Here’s a breakdown of the massive impact of the top 10% on climate: Between 1990 and 2019, they (we) were responsible for using up 40% of the emissions. On average, they emit 24 tonnes of CO2 annually, which is 8.5 times the amount needed in 2030 to stay below the safe limit of 1.5°C. Of the emissions of the global top 10%, 60% come from high-income countries. The largest share of emissions among high-income groups is from transport, mostly from frequent flying.

The top 10% and particularly the super-rich (<1%) dictate the climate story in three ways: ⤴️spending most of the emissions. 💵Financial Interests - they invest and are backers of heavily-polluting industries and 📢Societal Authority - their outsized influence on media, economy, and politics

But WE can change this narrative.

Here’s why the top 10% are important in the climate fight: Their political voice and economic power are important in securing the change in politics and economics we need to see.

And perhaps the most surprising thing is: if you're reading this, it is very likely that you are in that top 10%.

Good news is that we can all influence our way out of the climate crisis if:

🙏 We support and push our politicians for radical ways to reduce the wealth gap.

💸 Vote with our money and demand/align for regulation that secures a fast/fair and equitable transition away from the fossil-led economy.

💚 Redirect our focus to less consumerism, better consumption in general, and in supporting regenerative business instead of the so-far-only-for-profit business in detriment of mother nature.

Full report and more inspiration in Oxfam's and Stockholm Environment Institute:

Post, inspired by Yoann Berno