The richest 1% of the world population emit as much CO2 as the poorest two-thirds of the population combined.

Omissions

• The statistic is based on 2019 consumption-based emissions data published by Oxfam in November 2023; the MEP did not specify the data year.
• Oxfam's more recent analysis (October 2025, using 2023 emissions data) does not contradict the claim and confirms continued extreme emissions inequality (e.g., someone in the richest 1% has emitted roughly 100 times more than someone in the poorest 50% over the last three decades).
• The figure refers to consumption-based emissions (emissions embedded in goods and services consumed), a methodological choice that increases the measured gap compared with territory-based emissions accounting.

Sources

• PrimaryOxfam International — press releaseThe richest 1 percent of the world's population produced as much carbon pollution in 2019 as the five billion people who made up the poorest two-thirds of humanity.
• PrimaryOxfam America — 'Climate Equality: A planet for the 99%' (report PDF)The richest 1% of the world's population are responsible for as much carbon pollution as the people who make up the poorest two-thirds of humanity. In 2019, the super-rich 1% were responsible for 16% of carbon emissions, which is the same as the emissions of the poorest 66% of humanity (5 billion people).
• PrimaryOxfam Deutschland — 'Climate Plunder' report (2025)The latest available data from 2023 found that over the last three decades, someone in the richest 1% has emitted 100 times more than someone in the poorest 50%.
• SecondaryCarbon Brief — news articleThe 'richest 1% of humanity is responsible for more carbon emissions than the poorest 66%', according to the Oxfam report.