Wealthiest 10% Burden the Planet with Trillions in Environmental Costs
TL;DR Summary
A Leiden University study estimates the global top 10% owe society $1.7–$5.7 trillion annually for environmental damages (2017 USD), about $2,300–$7,500 per person, driven mainly by biodiversity loss and climate impacts. The authors suggest targeted environmental taxes on the top decile could fund biodiversity protection and climate action, noting wide country differences (US, China, India) and the potential to cover funding gaps identified for COP targets, using consumption footprints and the Environmental Prices Handbook 2024. Published in Communications Sustainability (2026).
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- The World's Top Consumers Cause Up to $5.7 Trillion in Environmental Damage Every Year Time Magazine
- Wealthiest consumers to blame for trillions in environmental damage Courthouse News
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