zeit.de
Wealthiest 10% Caused Two-Thirds of Global Warming Since 1990: Study
A new ETH Zurich study published in Nature reveals that the wealthiest 10 percent of the global population have caused about two-thirds of human-induced global warming since 1990, contributing disproportionately to extreme weather events like century-heat waves, particularly in China and the USA; researchers advocate for progressive wealth taxes to address this.
- What is the primary finding of the ETH Zurich study regarding the relationship between wealth and climate change, and what are its immediate implications?
- A new study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) reveals that the wealthiest 10 percent of the global population have caused approximately two-thirds of human-induced global warming since 1990. This impact is directly linked to their high consumption and investments in emission-intensive industries. The study, published in Nature, highlights the disproportionate contribution of the richest individuals to extreme weather events.
- How did the researchers quantify the impact of different income groups on extreme weather events, and what are the specific contributions of the wealthiest 10 percent in key regions?
- The ETH study combined economic data with climate simulations to determine the impact of various income groups on extreme weather. It found that the richest one percent contributes 26 times more to the increase in so-called century-heat waves compared to the global average. The influence of the wealthiest 10 percent is particularly significant in China and the USA, causing a two-to-threefold increase in heat extremes.
- What policy recommendations emerge from the study's findings to address the disproportionate impact of high-wealth individuals on climate change, and what are the potential challenges to implementing such policies?
- The study's findings underscore the urgent need for climate policies to address the disproportionate responsibility of the wealthiest members of society. Progressive wealth taxes, as suggested by co-author Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, could incentivize these high-impact actors to reduce their emissions. Failure to do so risks overlooking a crucial lever for mitigating future climate damage.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the responsibility of the wealthiest individuals, which is supported by the study's findings. However, this emphasis could be perceived as implicitly downplaying the role of other actors (governments, corporations, lower income groups) in contributing to climate change. The headline, while factually accurate, might subtly steer the reader towards a particular interpretation. The inclusion of the scientist's quote strengthens the framing by giving it authoritative support.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but terms like "übergroße Verantwortung" (excessive responsibility) and "mächtigsten Hebel" (most powerful lever) might subtly carry a more accusatory tone than strictly neutral reporting. While impactful, these terms could be replaced with more neutral terms such as "significant responsibility" and "substantial influence".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the contribution of the wealthiest 10% to global warming, but omits discussion of the cumulative effect of the remaining 90%, or the contributions of corporations and governments. While acknowledging the significant impact of the wealthy, a complete picture requires a more comprehensive analysis of all emission sources.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the wealthy and the rest of the population regarding climate change responsibility. While the wealthy's disproportionate impact is highlighted, it overlooks the complex interplay of factors contributing to climate change and the varying levels of responsibility within different socioeconomic groups.
Sustainable Development Goals
The study reveals that the wealthiest 10% of the global population are responsible for about two-thirds of human-caused global warming since 1990. This disproportionate contribution significantly hinders progress towards climate action goals by exacerbating climate change impacts like extreme heat waves. The wealthiest 1% contributes 26 times more to the increase in century-heat waves compared to the global average. The study highlights the need for policies targeting high emitters to mitigate climate change effectively.