At the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), Oxfam released its report "Climate Plunder: How a powerful few are locking the world into disaster". The report highlights that the high-carbon lifestyles of the super-rich are blowing through the world’s remaining carbon budget - the amount of CO2 that can be emitted while avoiding climate disaster. In response to the climate crisis, Oxfam calls for all sectors of society to work together to ensure that people from all walks of life can respond to future global climate change.

Report Highlights

• Carbon Inequality: The richest 0.1% produces more carbon pollution in a single day than the poorest 50% emit in an entire year.

• Growth and Decline: Since 1990, the richest 0.1% increased their share of total emissions by 32%, whilst the poorest half of humanity have actually seen their share fall by 3%.

• Significant Inequality: A person from the world’s richest 0.1% emits over 800 kg of CO2 every day. In contrast, someone from the poorest 50% of the world emits an average of just 2 kg of CO2 per day. 

• Urgent Need for Emissions Reductions: To stay within the limits of the 1.5°C threshold, the richest 0.1% would need to cut their per capita emissions by 99% by 2030. 

The super-rich are not just overconsuming carbon, but also actively investing in and profiting from the most polluting corporations. Oxfam’s research finds that the average billionaire produces 1.9 million tonnes of CO2e a year through their investments. These billionaires would have to circumnavigate the world almost 10,000 times in their private jets to emit this much. Almost 60% of billionaire investments are classified as being in high climate impact sectors such as oil or mining, meaning their investments emit 2.5 times more than the global corporate investment average.

Oxfam projects that the emissions of the richest 1% are enough to cause an estimated 1.3 million heat-related deaths by the end of the century, as well as $44 trillion of economic damage to low- and lower-middle-income countries by 2050. 

Oxfam’s Calls for Climate Resilience Ahead of COP30

• Strengthening the participation of civil society and Indigenous groups in climate negotiations and address the unequal impacts of climate change.

• Building an equal economic system that puts people and the planet first by rejecting dominant neoliberal economics and moving toward an economy based on sustainability and equality.

Oxfam has long advocated for greater disclosure of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information by listed companies, as this is a vital systemic reform to help channel capital toward a sustainable future. We recommend that companies not only enhance the transparency of their environmental data but also take proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, Oxfam urges listed companies to actively support more climate-related initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change on people living in poverty.　

Oxfam Hong Kong’s Actions and Plans

Oxfam Hong Kong is actively promoting community climate resilience in Hong Kong, including:

1. Heat Stroke Detection System: Oxfam has developed a wearable heat stroke detection system. The system utilises a smartwatch to send real-time territory-wide Heat Stress at Work Warnings, reminding outdoor cleaners to take timely breaks and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of heat‑related illness. The smartwatch also monitors vital health parameters such as heart rate and skin temperature, enabling cleaners to track their physical condition and raise health awareness.

2. Electricity-free Cooling Paint and Window Film for SDU households: Oxfam has launched the “Comfort Living: Climate Resilience for Sub-divided Unit Residents’”to provide electricity‑free cooling paint and heat‑insulating window film for subdivided flat (SDU) households. These measures can effectively reduce indoor temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, improving living conditions. The project also includes health assessments and community workshops to raise residents’ awareness of heat‑related illnesses and strengthen their ability to cope. Survey findings reveal that the project helps SDU households save up to 25% on electricity bills while enhancing overall home comfort.

“The climate crisis is deepening social inequality. We must work together to ensure that people from all walks of life, especially those most affected by climate change, can build resilience and safeguard their futures against climate change,” said Henry Tang, Director General of Oxfam Hong Kong.

Oxfam is committed to advancing climate justice policies so that communities in need are not left behind in the fight against climate change.

In the face of the climate crisis, only through collective action can we ensure that everyone — no matter who they are or where they come from — can live with dignity and security in an increasingly challenging environment. Oxfam Hong Kong calls on all sectors of society to stand together and help build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

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About Oxfam Hong Kong

Oxfam is a global organisation committed to creating a world without poverty through its advocacy, development and humanitarian work.