The Nepal Weekly 
September 24, 2024
As the world prepares for 29th Conference of the Parties (COP) scheduled to be held from the 11-12 November, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, there is a growing recognition that addressing the global climate crisis requires not only technological solutions but also a renewed spirit of cooperation and accountability. Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time. While its consequences are being felt globally, the responsibility for its origins is unevenly distributed. The majority of historical greenhouse gas emissions have been generated by the Global North, comprising developed nations, while the Global South—largely composed of developing countries—has contributed far less yet faces some of the most severe consequences.
The current climate situation has prompted a critical conversation about the role of wealthier nations in addressing the needs of the developing world. Countries in the Global South are grappling with the impacts of climate change, from drought and famine in the Horn of Africa to devastating floods in South Asia. These regions, already vulnerable due to limited economic resources, are now experiencing an increase in extreme weather events and environmental degradation, which threaten their development and stability.
The historical roots of climate change can be traced back to the industrial revolutions of the Global North. Over the course of more than a century, advanced economies have relied heavily on the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas to fuel their economic growth. This process, while driving unprecedented levels of industrialization and modernization, has also resulted in the release of massive amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These emissions have been the primary drivers of global warming, leading to the ecological crisis we face today.
In contrast, countries in the Global South have contributed far less to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. Historically, their emissions have been minimal compared to those of developed countries. Despite this, they are now bearing the stress of climate impacts, a situation that many describe as climate injustice. This imbalance has led to the concept of a climate debt, wherein the Global North owes reparations or compensation to the Global South for the damage caused by historic emissions and the unequal distribution of climate burdens.
This climate debt goes beyond a simple historical wrongdoing. It reflects the need for developed nations to acknowledge the ongoing damage caused by their continued reliance on fossil fuels and their failure to significantly control emissions despite international agreements. As the effects of climate change worsen, the demand for climate justice has grown, and the upcoming COP 29 represents a crucial moment for developed nations to honour their commitments and demonstrate genuine leadership in addressing this global crisis.
One of the most significant outcomes of the Paris Agreement in 2015 was the pledge made by developed countries to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate action in developing nations. This funding was intended to assist countries in the Global South with both mitigation (reducing emissions through renewable energy and other measures) and adaptation (building resilience to the impacts of climate change). The idea was that developed nations, having benefited from fossil fuel-driven economic growth, would help fund the transition to clean energy and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure in less developed countries.
However, the reality has fallen short of this promise. As of today, developed nations have not fully met this financial commitment, and the gap in climate finance remains a major issue in international climate negotiations. While some progress has been made, with financial flows increasing in recent years, the full $100 billion target has not been reached. This shortfall undermines the ability of developing countries to implement the necessary measures to adapt to climate change and develop sustainably in a warming world.
Furthermore, even if the $100 billion were fully delivered, many experts argue that it would still be insufficient to meet the needs of the Global South. The costs of adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change are vast, and the impacts of global warming are accelerating. Developing countries require not just financial support but also technical assistance, capacity-building, and access to the latest green technologies in order to transition away from fossil fuels and build climate-resilient societies.
As the world looks to COP 29, the onus is on developed nations to step up and show real leadership in addressing the climate crisis. This involves not only fulfilling the $100 billion pledge but also recognizing that much more financial support is needed. The funds provided to date are not sufficient to address the scale of the challenge, and there is a growing call for developed nations to increase their contributions and ensure that they are used effectively.
This is not about charity; it is about responsibility. The financial commitments demanded by developing countries are not acts of benevolence but rather reparations for the harm caused by historical emissions and ongoing environmental degradation. The Global North has a moral obligation to support the Global South in its efforts to adapt to climate change and achieve sustainable development. This is a matter of climate justice, where the most vulnerable should be given the tools and resources to cope with the consequences of a problem they did not create.
Moreover, discussions around climate finance need to go beyond just the amounts pledged. There must be mechanisms for accountability and transparency in the disbursement of these funds. Developing countries need to be assured that the financial support they receive is timely, reliable, and sufficient to meet their needs. There is also a need for a more equitable distribution of climate finance, ensuring that the most vulnerable nations and communities, who are at the greatest risk from climate change, receive the help they desperately need.
While the Global North bears significant responsibility for addressing the climate crisis, the fight against climate change ultimately requires a collective effort from all nations. Developing countries must also play their part in reducing emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy systems. However, this can only be achieved if they are provided with the necessary resources and support to do so.
As we move toward COP 29, the world will be watching to see whether developed countries fulfill their promises and take bold action to support climate resilience in the Global South. There is hope that the upcoming negotiations will bring renewed momentum to the global fight against climate change and that the international community can come together to forge a path toward a more sustainable and just future for all.
In the end, climate action is not just about addressing the environmental impacts of global warming. It is about ensuring that every nation, regardless of its wealth or historical emissions, has the opportunity to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By working together and fulfilling our collective responsibilities, we can create a future that is more equitable, more resilient, and more sustainable for generations to come.
