Inequality as a Barrier to Environmental Action

Context:

Renowned British environmentalist Tony Juniper highlights inequality—whether economic or social—as the biggest obstacle to tackling climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. His latest book, Just Earth: How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet, argues that environmental sustainability and social justice must go hand in hand.

The Need for Social Justice in Environmental Solutions

Juniper’s emphasis on social justice is crucial to solving environmental issues, explaining why collective efforts have failed so far.
The UK’s environmental sector, for instance, is notably lacking diversity, with only 3.5% of workers in environmental jobs identifying as ethnic minorities. This points to the broader disconnection between environmentalism and working-class communities.
Mainstream media often portrays environmental issues as the concern of the wealthy, with phrases like “middle-class tree huggers” creating a barrier between the movement and those most affected by environmental harm.

Climate Anxiety Among Working-Class Communities

Despite the media’s portrayal, 39% of UK working-class voters experience climate anxiety, just slightly lower than the 42% of middle-class voters.
Climate concern has remained high even through the COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crises, suggesting that climate change is a pressing issue across social classes.

Global Tensions Over Fairness in Climate Action

At the global level, there are ongoing tensions between developed and developing countries regarding what constitutes a “fair” climate future.
Developed nations, such as the US and EU, have historically held power in shaping climate agreements, often creating an unjust regime that favours their interests.
Disputes continue over how to fund loss and damage, particularly in vulnerable regions where rising sea levels or droughts could render entire communities uninhabitable.

Juniper’s Vision for a Fairer, Greener Society

Juniper proposes a “just transition”—a shift towards a greener society that also addresses issues of social justice.
While the concept of a just transition has evolved over time, Juniper sees it as a crucial framework for climate justice.
His ten-point agenda for a just transition includes:
- Measuring progress by well-being and sustainable consumption, rather than GDP growth.
- Reallocating subsidies from fossil fuels to green energy.
- Carbon tax regimes and additional public resources for environmental protection and climate resilience.
- The use of ecocide law to protect future generations.

Addressing Rising Inequality and Environmental Consumption

Rising inequality, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, has deepened the divide between the rich and the poor. Juniper points out that the wealthiest 10% are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than the poorest 50%.
The unfairness is evident in how those contributing the least to environmental destruction are hit hardest by its impacts.
Juniper critiques the conventional focus on indefinite economic growth and calls for a cultural shift away from consumption, competition, and the devaluation of nature.

Realistic Hope for Change

Although Juniper presents a realistic view of the challenges ahead, he remains hopeful that progress is possible.
His ultimate message is that society must shift towards a fairer, more sustainable future, as he poignantly concludes: “We have nowhere else to go. There is just Earth.”