Climate change and the rich | DW Documentary

Wealthy people are responsible for far more greenhouse gas emissions than poorer people. To reduce carbon footprints and prevent the worst effects of the climate crisis, one climate researcher is proposing a CO2 cap and trade system for individuals.

Disasters such as droughts, fires, and floods are occurring all over the world, triggered by the climate crisis. To counteract this catastrophe, Germany is among many nations pledging to slow global warming at well below two degrees. To achieve this target, the amount of harmful carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere must be restricted in the coming decades.

If a fundamental principle of justice were applied, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research says that each person would be allowed to emit no more than three tons of CO2 per year by 2050. But Germans are a long way from achieving this target, with an average carbon footprint of eight to ten tons. By burning fossil fuels, many millionaires emit more than 100 tons of carbon dioxide per year, and the world’s wealthiest individuals emit thousands of tons each.

Most of the rich protagonists in this film show no willingness to reduce their climate-damaging behavior. One of them flies in a private jet, while another drives a gas-guzzling sports car for fun.

Schellnhuber, a renowned scientist, is therefore calling for a carbon cap to be imposed on individuals, while allowing private trading in CO2 credits. He proposes that each person receives an allowance of three tons of CO2 per year. Those who need more would have to buy from those who consume less, Schellnhuber suggests.

However, German Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck from the Green Party is not in favor of individual CO2 caps. In an interview, Habeck says he’s not focused on the question of "individual budgets.”

#documentary #dwdocumentary #climatechange #co2 #wealth
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[cacatoiu]

Did you hear that?? "Luckely the population is split into different groups... " That says it all....

[jenesoleil]

The entitlement expressed by the man on the plane is astounding, but not entirely surprising. And there are so many more like him.

[Ogogogmomomoalalal]

The man on the plane is an ethical failure. I can't understand such lack of empathy and concern. It's utterly disgusting and I can only hope one day he'll face his own harmful ignorance.

[aqlimursadin]

I respect brutally honest businessmen more than politicians.

[briannacooper]

I am consistently surprised by how much DW is willing to tackle topics that are deliberately avoided by other media outlets. I appreciate this dedication to a realistic worldview. Thank you.

[wannabewizard]

Such people avoid taxes and corporate social responsibility for the similar reasons. I'm astounded by the audacity of the guy on the plane.

[neothaka]

The arrogance and sense of self-entitlement of one rich person is enough to offset the efforts of 10 or so households. When some ignorant celebrity's jet produces more CO2 than a 100 cars for just a 5 minute relocate, why on earth do we still bother. Unless some drastic measures are taken to curb the output of people like this, it all feels a bit pointless.

[supernova]

First time my poverty is making me feel good because I can't afford to pollute.

[jtwanderer]

Thank you for displaying the utter arrogance of the rich. We always knew, but exposing such selfishness is a necessary step towards our survival. Thank you.

[atifwqs]

I graduated from Germany and now living back home in Pakistan. Whenever I am free and have long weekends at home, I searh DW documentaries in Youtube and the channel never fails to mesmerize me with their novel productions. The german language spoken in the background by the participants resonate bygone days. Standing ovations DW!

[intreoo]

One minute in and I've seen everything I need to see. Even if you strip these folks of all their money and material wealth, the thing they'll care about most is not the climate, but their speed in retaining their wealth. If the climate crisis wants to be tackled, change has to be forced upon the rich; they will not change willingly.

[EnzoLuka]

This is why I don't have any hope for the future. It is not pessimism is just being honest with the reality we are facing.

[TheModernInvestor]

I think hearing the guy on the private jet explains all you need to know about people who are wealthy

[nomasikisiki]

This man's first words😳Gross public travels? Snotty nose people?? Wow😧

[hildaelson]

Is this man pretending to be a villain? Because I just can’t believe someone this wicked actually exists and would admit to it.

[swiderTheRealOne]

So basically let's restrict poor people at 3t co2 and let rich people buy as much as they want from their pocket great idea. Seems fair 🤣

[GoldHamSam]

the idea of a co2 allowance for individuals is absolutely insane and will be used to further hurt the poor and oppressed. Efforts should be focused entirely at large corporations

[mabel]

Prohibition in particular for short private jet flights or hefty taxes. It’s ridiculous how these people spit on the working class people

[dotdashdotdash]

200 private jets flew in WEF members to Davos this year

[maryt]

WEF used hundreds of private planes and ate steak . Not public transport or eat bugs .