A new study has linked a majority of warming pollution of the planets to luxurious lifestyles of the rich.
The average land temperature of the Earth continues to increase, and the last decade has presented the highest temperatures since at least the 1800s, when scientists began to record data regularly.
Higher temperatures cause extreme weather events, including heat waves, floods and hurricanes, to occur more frequently. Their effects can be catastrophic – depending on the World Economic Forum“The natural climate intensification disasters can lead to $ 12.5 billions of economic losses and more than two billion years of healthy life lost by 2050.”
To reduce warming pollution, we must know what – or cause them, and that’s exactly this This study exempt. The results, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, revealed that “two thirds of warming are attributable to the richest 10%”.
“Our study shows that extreme climatic impacts are not only the result of abstract global emissions,” said Sarah Schöngart, principal author of the study, by The independent. “Instead, we can link them directly to our lifestyle and investment choices, which in turn are linked to wealth.”
These lifestyle choices linked to wealth include frequent air trips, possession of several major properties and overconsumption of goods.
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One way to treat disproportionate emissions is to implement a carbon tax on particularly high activities, such as flight via a private jet. A carbon tax can reduce emissions by disincuring activity, and its income can finance green energy initiatives.
A carbon tax can be useful, but it does not entirely reach the root of the problem: non-durability. Fossil fuels are a finite and non -renewable resource and experts believe that we lack coal, oil and gas over the next 100 years.
Fortunately, scientists from around the world work on more effective means of collecting and using renewable energies such as solar energy, wind and hydroelectricity. Sustainable alternatives are there, including solar energy houses, electric vehicles and even electric aircraft.
There is no quick and easy solution to the changing climate – it will take a combination of political adjustments, technological progress and a changing culture. Whatever we decide to do, it is better to do it now.
The researchers stressed that time to speak is over – it’s time to take action.
“This is not an academic discussion-these are the real impacts of the climate crisis today,” said Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, co-author of the study.
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