‘An equal and habitable world is possible’: academics set out sweeping vision for planetary survival A comprehensive report from the World Inequality Lab proposes a vision for planetary survival that includes raising living standards, reducing inequality, and limiting global heating to within 2C. It outlines bold policy changes such as wealth taxes on billionaires, reduced working hours, dietary shifts, and increased investment in education and health. The authors argue this path offers a positive alternative to projections of increased fossil fuel use, climate disruption, and inequality.

• A new report by the World Inequality Lab (WIL) presents a vision for planetary survival, aiming to raise living standards, reduce inequality, and keep global heating within 2C.
• Key policy proposals include wealth taxes on billionaires, reduced working hours (aiming for 1,000 hours per year), dietary changes (less red meat), and shifting investment towards education and health.
• If implemented, these measures could double the incomes of 89% of the world’s population by 2100 and prevent catastrophic climate scenarios.
• The report contrasts this vision with ideologies promoting more fossil fuels and inequality, emphasizing a cultural and political battle for a cooperative redistribution of resources.
• Core to the plan is the concept of sufficiency, promoting a prosperous life without excessive material consumption that harms the environment.
• Significant wealth redistribution is proposed, aiming to reduce the share held by billionaires and increase the share for the bottom 50% of the population.
• Achieving these goals requires a global justice fund, increased spending on education and healthcare to 38% of world GDP, and a world sovereign fund to rebalance global wealth holdings.
• Authors acknowledge the vision may seem utopian but stress its necessity to demonstrate alternative possibilities for a habitable and equal future.