Sir, – Oxfam’s latest report (News, October 27th) reveals that the richest 0.1 per cent of the world’s population cause more climate pollution than the poorest 44 per cent combined.

So, when we’re told “we” all caused climate change, we should ask who exactly is meant by “we”. A tiny, extraordinarily wealthy minority bears a wildly disproportionate responsibility, yet the poorest suffer the worst consequences.

For decades, ordinary people have been urged to recycle and reduce their carbon footprints. Meanwhile, the super-rich continue to pollute on an extraordinary scale.

It’s time to tax extreme wealth and invest in warmer homes, better public transport and countries hardest hit by climate change.

No one needs a billion euro on a burning planet.

With COP31 next month, Ireland should champion a tax on extreme wealth, not another round of empty promises. -Yours, etc,

CIARÁN O’CARROLL,

North Strand,

Dublin.

Source: The Irish Times · Wed Oct 28 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

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