UK’s top 0.1% earners emit 22 times more transport greenhouse gases – The Big Issue

Not all carbon footprints are created equal.

The richest 0.1% of Brits emit 12 times more greenhouse gases from transport than average person, new analysis from the Institute for Public Policy Research suggests. These high-flyers emit more than 22 times more greenhouse gases from transport than the lowest earners.

This wealthy group must make “rapid changes” to tackle climate change, the IPPR have urged. Meanwhile, the think tank has called on the government to invest in a fairer, more accessible public transport system.

“Our transport system both reflects and contributes to social inequalities,” said Dr Maya Singer Hobbs, senior research fellow at IPPR.  

“Reducing emissions can actually tackle some of that injustice, if done fairly. But while not everyone needs to make the same changes, those who are financially best off need to do the most.” 

The government must intervene to make this a reality, the IPPR has urged – taxing private jets, bringing forward the ban on new petrol cars, and investing in a public transport ‘renaissance’.