Who is responsible?

 In a Guardian article on 7 December 2021, called "The richest 10% produce about half of greenhouse gas emissions. They should pay to fix the climate." (LINK)  Lucas Chancel  wrote:

"Let’s first look at the facts: 10% of the world’s population are responsible for about half of all greenhouse gas emissions, while the bottom half of the world contributes just 12% of all emissions." 

It is not just a matter of countries, though: "in Europe, the poorest half emits about five tonnes per person, while the richest 10% emit about 30 tonnes – a gap of six to one." The real issue is indirect emissions, those that come from things people buy and from investments people make. Many of the current measures, while valuable, do not address these broader problems. In addition countries could "establish individual carbon rights, similar to the schemes that some countries use to manage scarce environmental resources such as water. Such an approach has consequences, that could include a "redistribution from the wealthy", which can work  if done correctly. 

"British Columbia’s implementation of a carbon tax in 2008 was a success – even though the Canadian province relies heavily on oil and gas – because a large share of the resulting tax revenues goes to compensate low- and middle-income consumers via direct cash payments."

A recent reading quoted Matthew 19:21: "Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'”  A perfect gift would be to support programs that reduce carbon-producing consumption though reduced consumption, while at the same time helping those in need. That might do more to preserve God's creation than any steps we can take as individuals or parishes.