Can we tackle climate change without deepening inequality?
The climate crisis is reshaping economies, societies, and livelihoods—but not everyone bears its costs equally.
From heatwaves to floods, the poorest communities, particularly in the Global South, face the greatest risks, while climate policies can impose heavier burdens on those least able to afford them. How can we save the planet in ways that are not only effective, but also fair?
This panel brings together leading academics and practitioners to explore the deep links between climate change and inequality—within and between countries. The discussion will ask how environmental, economic and social policy can work together to ensure that climate action reduces, rather than reinforces, inequality.
Drawing on experiences from across the globe, panellists will highlight practical, inclusive approaches to climate action and climate justice, and reflect on how fairness and inclusion can help build the political coalitions needed for a just transition
Meet our speaker and chair
Dr Lucas Chancel is an Associate Professor of Economics with tenure at Sciences Po, affiliated with the Center for Research on Social Inequalities and the Department of Economics. He is also Co-Director and Senior Economist at the World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics (PSE). His work focuses on global inequality and ecological transitions.
Dr Marion Dumas is an Assistant Professorial Research Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute at LSE. Her research interests encompass green innovation, the institutional processes underpinning decarbonisation, and the interaction between reducing inequality and fighting climate change.
More about this event
This event is part of the LSE Festival: How to save the planet running from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 June 2026. This year's Festival explores how existential threats including the climate crisis, conflict and AI are affecting all parts of the world, transforming the way and where we live, and how our societies function. With a series of events asking what can we be doing to save the Earth, its people and environment? Booking for all Festival events will open on Monday 18 May.
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