Asking Quote by Yann Arthus-Bertrand
“The fact is that seven per cent of the global population emits 50 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, and the proportions are the same for the use of energy and raw materials, meat, wood, etc. Simply put, an infinitesimal minority consumes the most and imposes damage on the overwhelming majority, while asking it to change.”
About This Quote
Source Documentary: Home, 2009
A tiny fraction of people cause the majority of environmental damage, while the rest bear the burden and are asked to change.
In simple terms: A small minority creates most ecological harm.
Key Takeaway
Address inequality in consumption.
Themes
environmental justice
inequality
responsibility
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
informative
call to action
When to use this quote
- policy advocacy
- consumer education
- corporate accountability
- personal lifestyle changes
Key Concepts
sustainability
externalities
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies incentivize fairer resource use?
- What policies could limit high‑impact emissions?
A Different Perspective
Changing habits of the few may be politically difficult.
![“We will pay for this [climate change] one way or another. We will pay to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions today and we'll have to take an enormous hit of some kind. Or we will pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives. There will be a human toll. There is no way out…” quote by Anthony Zinni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/df5/anthony-zinni-42564_change_we-will-pay-for-this-climate-change-one_424301.jpg)
