The Other Great Divide: Inequality in the Age of Climate Change

The Other Great Divide

Humans love categories. They help us make sense of our complex world — dividing societies into developed and developing, wealthy and poor, educated and uneducated. But these categories also shape the policies, practices, and values that reinforce unequal systems. They fail to represent humanity as a whole.

When it comes to climate change, this tendency toward categorization creates a problem. The human factor — what Burch and Harris (2021, p.139) call societal uncertainty — does not fit neatly into climate models. Because anthropogenic climate change is caused by humans (Farber & Carlarne, 2023, p.27), it will require collective human effort to undo centuries of imbalance in Earth’s natural systems.

The Uneven Cause — and Consequence

The rapid rise in greenhouse gases (GHGs) stems primarily from fossil fuel combustion and land-use changes driven by human activity (Burch & Harris, 2021, p.94). Yet, not all humans share equal responsibility. China emits roughly 14% more GHGs than the United States, but per capita, its emissions remain far lower (Farber & Carlarne, 2023, p.28).

Industrialized nations have contributed most to atmospheric GHGs, but the world’s poorest populations will bear the harshest consequences (Farber & Carlarne, 2023, p.29). Developing countries — often the most exposed to climate impacts — lack the resources and infrastructure to protect themselves. The divide between wealthy and poor nations is mirrored in their ability to adapt and recover.

Planning for a Shared Future

Climate change is a global crisis without borders. Future planning must therefore account for all of humanity. How will society rebuild cities, respond to uncertainty, and protect those at greatest risk? Which predictions will guide us — and which will we ignore?

At the foundation of these questions lie social values (Burch & Harris, 2021, p.143). GHG emissions reflect not just energy use, but cultural, political, and economic priorities. The U.S., for instance, accounts for 13% of global GHGs (Farber & Carlarne, 2023, p.28). Its temporary withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Agreement — followed by its reentry — illustrates shifting national values. Though U.S. CO₂ levels have fallen to 1992 benchmarks, the country remains the world’s second-largest emitter. Progress requires more than incremental policy; it demands a cultural shift away from carbon dependency.

Facing Extremes and Inequality

What is certain about climate change is that extremes will intensify. Events like the 2003 European heatwave — which killed over 52,000 people (Burch & Harris, 2021, p.187) — will become more frequent. The challenge is how humanity will adapt. Economic structures, climate policy, insurance, and infrastructure will all shape mitigation and protection strategies.

Vulnerability is not evenly distributed. It’s tied to poverty, lack of education, and social inequities (Burch & Harris, 2021, p.177). Even within wealthy nations, poorer communities face disproportionate exposure, greater sensitivity to climate events, and fewer adaptive options. From food and water to shelter and clean air, basic human needs are increasingly at risk.

Climate Change: The Great Equalizer

Education is often called “the great equalizer,” yet access to it remains deeply unequal. Climate change, in contrast, will touch every corner of the planet — though not equally, and not fairly. Humanity’s self-made categories have long divided us; now, the climate crisis threatens to unite us through shared vulnerability.

Colonialism and nationalism have shaped inequities for centuries. To confront the climate era ahead, humanity must create a new global framework — one grounded in shared responsibility, resilience, and justice. The divide between rich and poor, developed and developing, must give way to collaboration. Because in the end, the atmosphere does not recognize borders.

References

• Burch, S. L., & Harris, S. E. (2021). Understanding Climate Change: Science, Policy, and Practice (2nd ed.). University of Toronto Press.

• Farber, D. A., & Carlarne, C. P. (2023). Climate Change Law (2nd ed.). Foundation Press.