Inequality undermines the fight against global warming
The promise of collective effort through high renewable energy costs has failed to spur decisive global action, largely due to the underlying issue of growing inequalities.
Rising inequalities are disrupting efforts to transition away from fossil fuels through measures like carbon pricing, energy efficiency standards, and subsidies that are often seen as benefiting the wealthy. Many feel marginalized by these initiatives.
Low- and middle-income populations are unlikely to embrace the transition to clean energy or support carbon regulations unless they include compensation for the middle class, not just the poor. If these groups continue to bear the brunt of the burden, they may elect leaders who prioritize addressing inequality over tackling global warming.