Inequality, emissions, and human well-being

Development strategies generally align with the assumption that economic growth and the use of fossil fuels, despite the resulting emissions, lead to improvements in human well-being. This logic suggests that reductions in emissions could harm human well-being. In addition to raising sustainability concerns, one component left out of such approaches is the role of inequality. This chapter highlights the importance of incorporating inequality into studies of emissions and human well-being. We review the relevant sociological literature and demonstrate how well-being, emissions, and the relationship between the two are shaped by inequality. We also summarize how the nature of these relationships vary by context and scale. We briefly outline two approaches to addressing climate change to protect the planet and promote human well-being: global climate negotiations and social movements for climate justice. We conclude by discussing directions forward for research and policy.