Infographics: Richest 10 percent are causing climate change

Fifty percent of the world's carbon emissions are produced by the world's richest 10 percent, while the poorest half – 3.5 billion people – are responsible for a mere 10 percent. This is according to a new report by Oxfam, which also found that the richest one percent of the world's population emit 175 times more carbon than those living in the bottom 10 percent.

While emerging economies are experiencing rapid rises in emissions, they are far behind the lifestyle consumption of richer OECD nations. Globally, it's individual consumption that is responsible for most carbon emissions (64 percent), while international transport, investment and government activity make up the remaining 34 percent.

The damaging effects of climate change are also unequally distributed around the world. While the severe impact of climate change will be global, it is the world's poorest (and least polluting) nations that are most vulnerable. Women living in these regions, who are often dependent on climate-sensitive livelihoods, will be most affected.

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