Wealthiest 10% linked to two-thirds of global warming since 1990, new study finds

The richest 10% of the global population are responsible for two-thirds of global warming since 1990, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change. Researchers used emissions data and climate modelling to quantify the impact of wealth-based carbon inequality on global temperatures and extreme weather events.

The study found that individuals earning more than €42,980 annually — including the UK’s median full-time salary — contributed disproportionately to global heating, while the poorest half of the population had minimal impact. The top 1% and 0.1% were responsible for 20% and 8% of warming, respectively.

Lead author Sarah Schöngart said the findings support targeted climate policies and greater accountability for wealthy emitters. The researchers stressed that addressing inequality in emissions is key to effective climate action. The report comes amid global debates over climate finance and responsibilities, particularly as developing nations demand more support to cope with the escalating impacts of climate change.