The reality of inequality and what we and our businesses can do about it.

Well what a week that was!

My newsfeed continued to fed my discombobulated state. The theme of inequality and lack of action grows.

On Tuesday I learned that almost two thirds of Britain's Ultra Wealthy said they plan to leave the UK within two years or “shortly” if the Labour government moves ahead with plans to axe the colonial-era non-dom tax concession.

The Budget's impact on individuals seemed to dominate most conversations.

And I get it, of course I do. We all have to balance our books, at business and as individuals.

So what's really bothered me this week?

What's really, really bothering me this morning is reading this new report from Oxfam which clearly illustrates the disproportionate negative impact of the wealthiest on those with the least choice and can least afford it.

Children.

It's just not fair, and this is my plea to you to learn more about child poverty and explore how you and your business can support this disadvantaged, underserved group..

It's not their fault.

Let's start with the recent data.

Oxfam’s report details three critical areas, providing national and regional breakdowns, where the emissions of the world’s richest 1% ?since 1990 are already having —and are projected to have— devastating consequences:

?? Global inequality. The emissions of the richest 1 percent have caused global economic output to drop by $2.9 trillion since 1990. The biggest impact will be in countries least responsible for climate breakdown.

?? Hunger. The emissions of the richest 1 percent have caused crop losses that could have provided enough calories to feed 14.5 million people a year between 1990 and 2023. This will rise to 46 million people annually between 2023 and 2050, with Latin America and the Caribbean especially affected (9 million a year by 2050).

?? Death. 78 percent of excess deaths due to heat through 2120 will occur in low- and lower-middle-income countries. BUT, it's this quote from the young activist Marinel Ubaldo, RSW that has really got to me:

“It’s become so tiring, to be resilient. It's not something that I have chosen to be —it was necessary to survive. A child shouldn’t need to be strong. I just wanted to be safe, to play in the sand —but I was always fleeing when storms came. Counting dead bodies after a typhoon isn’t something any child should have to do. And whether we survive or not, the rich polluters don’t even care.”

This is not ok.

As I'll keep repeating, when the time comes, you knew, what did you do? will be the only question that matters. It’s THE question that keeps me awake at night. And it’s the reason I spring out of bed each morning determined to do what I can.

Today, I’m asking you to join me in reflecting on this question—not just as leaders but as people who want to leave a world worth inheriting. This week, our focus is on the reality of child poverty in the UK and the world.

As we approach a season so often associated with generosity and overconsumption, it’s an issue that’s impossible to ignore.

Why This Matters

Child poverty is not just a statistic—it’s a daily struggle for millions. The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) reports that 4.3 million children are growing up in poverty in the UK, right now. According to the charity Zarach over one million children here in the UK, one of the richest nations on earth, are living in 'bed poverty.'

Children who do not have a bed to sleep in, or regular nutritional meals, will not learn well.

This is not ok.

Meanwhile, the starkest inequalities persist globally. The Oxfam research highlighted that “billionaires emit more carbon in 90 minutes than the average person does in a lifetime.”

The gap between those who have—and those who don’t—is wider than ever. And climate change is only exacerbating it, making food, clean air, and even a stable home less secure for future generations.

The Human Impact

CPAG says: "Poverty denies children chances to try new things and develop their interests and talents through extra-curricular clubs and even school trips and activities."

This is the reality for far too many young lives, and as leaders, we have the influence—and the responsibility—to make it better.

In this week's UK for Good blog I explore:

1. The root causes of child poverty in the UK?and how climate change compounds them.
2. Data from leading organisations?like the Child Poverty Action Group and Oxfam that show the urgent need for change.
3. Practical ways we, as leaders, can make a difference?in fighting poverty and inequality.

What Can You Do?

We all have a role to play in answering?“what did you do?”?Here are some steps we can take as leaders:

• Increase incomes: Support employees into secure, well-paying jobs, helping families build financial resilience.
• Reduce essential costs: Partner with organisations to lower costs for low-income families.
• Provide skills training: Equip disadvantaged communities with the skills needed to thrive.
• Take voluntary measures: Go beyond minimums to tackle in-work poverty.
• Support local charities: Donate, volunteer, or work alongside organisations tackling child poverty daily.

In the end, the question is simple, yet profound:?We knew, so what did we do?

I invite you to read the?full?blog?for a more in-depth look at the realities we face and the impact we can have.

Let’s lead with courage, compassion, and a shared commitment to a better future.

?Best wishes,

Donna

What I'm reading

I've recently discovered the work of Social Philosopher and author Roman Krznaric. I have been researching how to better encourage people to feel what the impacts of environmental and societal changes mean.

It's quite clear that data alone isn't achieving the urgent action we need.

We know what's happening and we have the solutions, we just aren't feeling the urgency to act courageously.

I'm currently reading The Good Ancestor and have just bought Roman's new book History for Tomorrow. I can highly recommend both if you are keen to understand why we are where we are, and how you can shape a better world.

The good news is that Roman Krznaric is joining us in March 2025 for an online Fireside Chat to discuss his journey and inspire us all to learn better from history and be more courageous to build a better future.

I hope that gives you enough time to read and learn from his work before joining us for what promises to be a rich, constructive conversation.

?More details to follow.