‘Carbon footprint gap’ between rich and poor expanding, study finds

Researchers say cutting carbon footprint of world's wealthiest may be fastest way to reach net zero

Wealthy people have disproportionately large carbon footprints and the percentage of the world's emissions they are responsible for is growing, a study has found.

In 2010, the most affluent 10% of households emitted 34% of global CO₂, while the 50% of the global population in lower income brackets accounted for just 15%. By 2015, the richest 10% were responsible for 49% of emissions against 7% produced by the poorest half of the world's population.