Billionaires build island bunkers while 71% of their investments back high emitters, Oxfam says

The pollution generated by some billionaires' investments helps drive climate risks for communities worldwide.

Meanwhile, billionaires are also seeking protection from climate disasters by buying islands and building fortified bunkers.

Here's what to know

Investments held by the 1,000 richest billionaires generated 486 million tonnes (536 million U.S. tons) of carbon dioxide in 2025, according to Oxfam's Disaster Divide report, as shared by the Irish Examiner.

If those investments represented a country, they would rank as the world's 19th-largest greenhouse gas emitter, the report found.

Oxfam noted that 71% of billionaires' investments are in high-emission industries, including oil, gas, and chemicals.

The charity also linked the carbon pollution of the richest 1% to worsening floods, fires, droughts, and food crises. It estimated that this group's yearly emissions would cause 1.9 million excess heat deaths in the future.

More background

According to the report, roughly one in 10 people worldwide could face climate-related displacement by 2050. A substantial share of the world's middle-income population could be affected, not just people living in poverty.

Staying in their homes could become impossible for people unable to obtain or afford mortgages and property insurance, Oxfam said. The departure of jobs and economic opportunities can leave residents with little alternative to moving, too.

This is not much of a concern for uber-wealthy individuals, who are building compounds and underground shelters. These properties also have dedicated food and water supplies and renewable power.

While these preparations offer protection against disruption, the benefits remain private rather than extending to surrounding communities.

Oxfam warned that climate displacement "is becoming a universal condition, experienced very differently depending on where a person sits in the global hierarchy of wealth."

Where can I learn more?

Private jets and luxury spending also highlight the gap between private wealth and public climate costs. 

• A South Dakota prepper bunker owner faces a racketeering lawsuit alleging investor fraud.

• In the United States, a private jet boom leaves taxpayers and the climate paying.

• AI billionaires have fueled a private jet and superyacht boom.

• A billionaire once investigated by U.S. authorities became key to Trump's Venezuela oil deal.

• U.K.-linked energy and food dynasties grew wealth faster than peers as household prices climbed.

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