The highest income group consisting of one per cent of population emits four-and-half times as much carbon dioxide as compared to the lowest income group with 38 per cent of the population in India, according to a report.
Greenpeace India, an NGO, in its report 'Hiding behind the Poor' released in Delhi claimed that in India, the sixth largest carbon emitter in the world, it is the affluent section of the society which is the major contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions.
"The average carbon dioxide emission of an individual from the highest income group earning more than Rs 30,000 per month is 4.5 times that of one from the lowest income group of below Rs 8,000 per month. The lower income group contributes 24 per cent of the country`s carbon emission," the report said.
The report is based on surveys of 819 households from the seven different income classes across four metros, medium and small towns and rural areas.
The carbon intensity of the higher income group is primarily due to use of cars, luxury electrical instruments, the report claimed, pointing that electricity production in India is already extremely carbon intensive.
"In reality, the poor people contributing the least to global warming are highly exposed to impacts of climate change," the report observed.
Speaking about the study, executive director of Greenpeace India, G Ananthapadmanabham said, "150 million Indians are emitting carbon above the sustainable limit, which needs to be maintained."
He suggested that the government and rich income classes can reduce carbon footprints to lower the carbon emission by improving lifestyle.
