Now even the Nature Study says so

To limit the consequences of the climate crisis, it is imperative that the richest part of the planet’s population play its part e Abandon, like it or not, luxury goods that require large amounts of energy from fossil sources. Re-proposing the topic of social justice as the key to reducing the consequences of climate change is one A study published in the scientific journal Nature EnergyAccordingly, the gradual reduction of energy demand by the richest citizens of Europe (the continent under study) could significantly contribute to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Nature Energy study, reducing the energy use of the richest 20% of consumers in 27 European countries could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 11.4% from domestic energy, 16.8% from transportation and 9.7% from total energy consumption. An increase in the consumption of the poorest users These savings decrease by 1.2%, 0.9% and 1.4%, respectivelyIn short, science also says it’s time for the rich to pay It is no longer a purely ideological consideration.

Melina Bokhs, Lecturer in Sustainable Wellbeing at the University of Leeds and lead author of the study, commented: ‘We need to start addressing the issue of using Luxurious energy Both to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to ensure that people who lack energy can meet their basic needsIn short, if it is true that states are obliged to implement renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic and wind power, it is also true that it is necessary to limit luxury, energy-intensive activities: these include Airplane trips for vacations, driving big cars that guzzle a lot of fuel And living in large houses with poor thermal insulation.

In short, having more sedate and sustainable lifestyles can have a powerful impact on the environment. Felix Kreutzig, IPCC expert and professor of sustainable economics at the University of Berlin, stressed that “reducing energy demand” by the richest segment of the population, in particular the European one, can “contribute in a significant way to mitigating the effects of climate change” and to At the same time “lift the poorest families out of energy poverty.” “Families with higher incomes and higher education have greater potential and ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also have greater responsibilities.”