Inequality and Climate Change

A report from the Roosevelt Institute finds more than a correlation.

The notion that inequality is a driver of climate change is unfamiliar, perhaps even counterintuitive. Nevertheless,research shows a clear and positive relationship between economic and social inequality and environmental harm.

This evidence raises important questions: Is inequality itself the driver of environmental damage, including the higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming? Or are inequality and climate change only correlated,such that societies with high inequality levels are also likely to pollute their environments more? We argue that both statements are true: Drivers of inequality—such as financialization and corporate short-termism— are also drivers of environmental harm, but there are also specific mechanisms by which inequality itself damages our environment.

Even more reason for a socialist movement to combat the human and environmental toll of capitalism.