Paper in Nature Climate Change journal reveals major role wealthy emitters play in driving climate extremes

Paper in Nature Climate Change journal reveals major role wealthy emitters play in driving climate extremes

The world’s wealthiest 10% are responsible for two-thirds of global heating since 1990, driving droughts and heatwaves in the poorest parts of the world, according to a study.

While researchers have previously shown that higher income groups emit disproportionately large amounts of greenhouse gases, the latest survey is the first to try to pin down how that inequality translates into responsibility for climate breakdown. It offers a powerful argument for climate finance and wealth taxes by attempting to give an evidential basis for how many people in the developed world – including more than 50% of full-time employees in the UK – bear a heightened responsibility for the climate disasters affecting people who can least afford it.

“Our study shows that extreme climate impacts are not just the result of abstract global emissions; instead we can directly link them to our lifestyle and investment choices, which in turn are linked to wealth,” said Sarah Schöngart, a climate modelling analyst and the study’s lead author.

  • Voyajer@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    2 days ago

    If it’s any consolation, idling nets more wear on your vehicle’s drivetrain than just driving it from cold.

    • DominusOfMegadeus@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      4·
      2 days ago

      True for modern fuel injected engines, although 30 seconds before heavy engine engagement is preferable. In cold weather, hybrid engines do need time to warm up the oil though.

      • Harriet_Porber@lemmy.worldEnglish
        11·
        2 days ago

        have you actually read your owners manual?

        this isn’t worth fighting some rando on the internet over. nothing I say I going to change your mind, and that’s fine, not my car not my problem.

        for others that see these arguments - don’t listen to the armchair mechanics online, read your car’s fucking manual. typically the goal is to get your car to operating temp as fast as possible, and most modern cars are designed to heat up as fast as possible under motion. heating your car at idle takes forever and spends more time operating with parts not at their optimal tolerance.

        but don’t just listen to me, read your car’s manual.