[im] Wealth inequality is correlated with CO2 emissions

[János Sugár]

A new paper from a trio of Boston College researchers shows that the 
states with the highest degree of income inequality are also the 
worst offenders for carbon emissions; as the share of wealth and 
income claimed by the richest 10% increases, the amount of 
carbon-intensive consumption they engage in grows, as does their 
political clout, allowing them to buy laws and policies that let them 
pollute more.

"First, income concentration leads to concentrated political power 
and the ability to prevent regulations on carbon emissions," said 
Schor, a professor of sociology. "Second, high income consumers are 
disproportionate carbon polluters."

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800916308345