The world's richest 0.1 percent produce more carbon pollution than the poorest 3.5 billion people combined. Yet those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis are paying the highest price through devastating floods, wildfires, extreme heat and growing food insecurity. Oxfam's new report, Disaster Divide, reveals how the super-rich are driving climate breakdown through their excessive emissions and investments in polluting industries, while using their wealth to shield themselves from its worst impacts.

The inequality is stark in Canada, too. Someone in Canada's wealthiest 0.1 percent emits more CO2 in just over nine months than someone in the poorest half of the population has emitted over the last 30 years. Meanwhile, more than 825,000 people have been displaced by climate-related disasters across Canada since 2008. The report also exposes how wealthy investors are profiting from both sides of the climate crisis, investing in industries that fuel climate breakdown while also making money from disaster preparedness, recovery and reconstruction.

As world leaders prepare for COP31, Oxfam is calling on governments, including Canada, to make rich polluters pay, increase climate finance for the Global South, invest in public services and end profiteering from climate disasters. Tackling climate inequality means holding those most responsible accountable and ensuring that communities facing the greatest risks have the resources they need to prepare, respond and recover.