Why in News ?

Richest 1% emit twice carbon as poorest 50% based on a study released by a new report by Oxfam International and the Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI).

• A rich person contributes more to the climate crisis than a poor person
• Between 1990 and 2015, the richest 1 per cent of humanity accounted for 15 per cent of cumulative emissions
• The poorest 50 per cent accounted for only 7 per cent.

About the Report

• While the richest 10 per cent accounted for 46 per cent of emissions growth, the poorest 50 per cent accounted for only 6 per cent.
• The global carbon budget is being rapidly depleted not to afford communities around the world dignity and a decent standard of living but to expand the consumption of the rich.
• The largest share of emissions by the rich was from flights and cars, including private jets, luxury SUVs and sports cars.
• The report shows the need to focus on clipping emissions of the richest 10 per cent : Reduction of the per capita footprint to the 1.5°C-consistent level by 2030 would cut annual carbon emissions by over a third.
• About half of the emissions of the richest 10 per cent are associated with North America and the European Union (EU).
• The per capita emissions of the richest 10 per cent Americans were 52.4 tonnes.
• India In the Report
  • Centre for Science and Environment’s analysis of the carbon budget in 2018, according to which an Indian emitted only 1.97 tonnes carbon dioxide (tCO2).
  • India’s per capita emissions were a fraction of not just the EU (6.78 tCO2 / person).
  • The per capita CO2 emissions of the richest 10 per cent Indians were about 4.4 tonnes in 2018.

Other Key Points

• Report highlighted the need for systemic change rather than a sole focus on individual action
• It called for new economic models that don’t depend on the endless growth in consumption of the already affluent.
• Moderate measures such as carbon tax and non-binding climate commitments from corporations and countries are also inadequate.

Source : Down To Earth

GS III : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Current Affairs Compilation : 2 October 2020