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Columnist and Environment

We can't get to net zero without tackling inequality

Inequality is a major obstacle to sustainability. The super-rich are an environmental horror story that we can't ignore, says Graham Lawton

By Graham Lawton

10 April 2024

WW4018 Planes at Las Vegas airport

Planes at Las Vegas airport

Frank Nowikowski/Alamy

I recently had to replace the hot water system in my house. It cost a small fortune. I’m fortunate enough to be able to afford it, but I couldn’t go to the next level, a heat pump. My carbon footprint will be lowered by my new boiler, but it won’t be where I want it to be: zero.

If I can’t afford it, god only knows how the majority of people ever will. But there are those living not far from me who could buy a heat pump for every house in…

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