WIREDGOV

Professor Len Shackleton, Editorial and Research Fellow at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, commented on Oxfam’s latest study on climate change and the rich

“Oxfam’s proposals are extremely dangerous in setting a precedent for governments to interfere in private activities on the basis of vague assertions about damage to the planet.

“While it is hardly surprising that billionaires have a larger carbon footprint than the rest of us, it is also true that even the poorest person in the UK has a much higher footprint than a poor person in sub-Saharan Africa.

“The same specious reasoning could be used to forbid ordinary people from holidaying abroad, driving a car, having baths instead of showers, or eating meat.

“This is just another piece of anti-rich ‘research’ from a charity which would be better engaged sticking to its original and laudable objectives in relieving poverty, rather than engaging in stunts like this.”

Notes to editor

Contact: Emily Carver, Head of Media, 07715 942 73

IEA spokespeople are available for interview and further comment.

CARBON EMISSIONS OF RICHEST 1% SET TO BE 30 TIMES THE 1.5°C LIMIT IN 2030