As the world seeks to tackle climate change, a wide range of policies are being considered. A recent paper from the University of Cambridge suggests that these policies won’t succeed unless they also look at tackling inequality in our societies. This is because inequality reduces the ability of communities to adopt low-carbon technologies and behaviors.

The authors argue that while wealthier people tend to have larger carbon footprints, they also have the means to effectively reduce those footprints. The same doesn’t tend to apply to those on lower incomes.

Recognizing the barriers

Unfortunately, they go on to state that politicians are often oblivious to the barriers preventing people from adopting more climate-friendly behaviors.

The inequalities highlighted in the report are not only financial in nature, but also include things like free time, political influence, and the availability and access to low-carbon options, such as public transport.

“It’s increasingly acknowledged that there’s inequality in terms of who causes climate change and who suffers the consequences, but there’s far less attention being paid to the effect of inequality in changing behaviours to reduce carbon emissions,” the authors explain.

“People on lower incomes can be more restricted in the things they can do to help reduce their carbon footprint, in terms of the cost and time associated with doing things differently.”

Lower capacity

For instance, inequalities can limit people’s ability to insulate their home, adopt a less meat-heavy diet, or buy an electric vehicle. Indeed, even using public transport more frequently is seldom an option for people in poorer areas as coverage is limited.

“If you have more money you’re likely to cause more carbon emissions, but you’re also more likely to have greater ability to change the things you do and reduce those emissions,” the authors explain. “Interventions targeting high-emitting individuals are urgently needed, but also many areas where there are lower-carbon choices – like food and transport – need everyone to be involved.”

The experts say that efforts to get people to go for greener choices usually focus on giving out info. Even though understanding the problems is important, there are still hurdles to making actual changes.

They suggest some policy changes, like city planning that includes special lanes for buses and bikes, and paths for pedestrians. They also propose having taxes that increase as people earn more money and encouraging low-carbon meals with help from employers. It’s all part of a plan to make eco-friendly choices easier for everyone.