“Food” and “energy” are the main causes, making the richest consumer group cause such massive damage to the world. Specifically, red meat consumption, frequent aviation, and heating massive estates are the primary drivers behind the environmental toll of the wealthy.
However, the $5.7 trillion figure is likely underestimated as it omits critical planetary boundaries and excludes high-emission investments.
According to Greenpeace, assets held by the top 1% alone fund industries driving a quarter of global greenhouse gases, inflicting nearly $1 trillion in annual climate destruction through their portfolios.
The $5.7 trillion damage vastly exceeds global sustainability costs, such as the $675 billion needed for biodiversity protection. Since the wealthy act as influential investors, trendsetters, and market shapers, researchers argue they possess unmatched bargaining power to drive systemic environmental change.
