Balancing the Climate Change Interests of Developed and Developing Nations.
Introduction
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) confirmed that, in 2022, developed countries provided and mobilized a total of USD 115.9 billion in climate finance for developing countries, exceeding the annual USD 100 billion goal that developed countries had committed to mobilizing per year for 2020-2025.[1] The fight against climate change stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. It requires a unified global response that goes beyond national boundaries and economic differences. However, balancing the interests of developed and developing states in this endeavor presents a formidable task. Developed countries, with their substantial resources, technological advancements, and historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, face a moral and practical duty to lead in climate action. Conversely, developing nations, which are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, grapple with the dual challenge of fostering economic growth and implementing sustainable practices with limited resources and infrastructure. This article highlights the dynamics between developed and developing states in the global climate change agenda with the aim of revealing strategies that will unify their diverse interests. We will examine the roles of international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, the importance of equitable financial mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund, and the necessity of technology transfer. We seek to highlight pathways for collaborative action that can address the urgent need for climate mitigation and adaptation while ensuring that both developed and developing countries can pursue their developmental goals in a sustainable and just manner.
Developed countries’ Perspectives
Industrialization in the developed nations began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This period marked the onset of major economic and technological progress, which resulted in significant boosts in production and consumption.[2] However, it also witnessed the start of large-scale emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels. Several decades later, these emissions have accumulated and have increased the level of GHGs available in the atmosphere. Thus, a historical consideration would point to the fact that developed countries have benefited from early industrialization and are also major contributors to the current climate challenges.
Climate targets
Due to their role in the emission of greenhouse gases, developed countries have set ambitious climate action targets. These commitments often involve reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. For instance, the European Union has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,[3] and the United States has rejoined the Paris Agreement with a plan to become carbon neutral by 2050.[4] These policies combine regulatory measures, market-based concepts like carbon pricing, and investments in green infrastructure.
Technological and financial strength
The level of technological advancement of developed countries and the financial strength at their disposal are large and sophisticated. This includes electric vehicle infrastructure, renewable energy technologies, and innovative carbon capturing and storage mechanisms which are all essential to reducing the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. With their financial might, developed countries can further support climate actions by contributing to the Green Climate Fund.[5]
Leading the fight against climate change
Due to their historical contributions to global emissions and their considerable resources, developed nations have a significant responsibility in the global fight against climate change. This responsibility involves taking on leadership roles in international climate initiatives. Developed countries frequently lead climate diplomacy efforts, pushing for stronger international agreements, setting ambitious national targets, and offering financial and technical assistance to less wealthy nations. Their leadership is essential for mobilizing global efforts and international cooperation to effectively tackle the climate crisis.
Developing countries’ perspective
Climate action is usually not seen as a priority for developing countries.[6] With limited resources, low standard of living, political instability, and average infrastructure, developing countries usually prioritize several other things ahead of climate action. The need for economic development is necessary for poverty alleviation and general national stability. This limits the enthusiasm of developing countries towards climate action.
Furthermore, the ability to access advanced technologies that can help mitigate and adapt to climate change is often limited by cost, intellectual property rights, and gaps in technical expertise.[7] These barriers hinder the implementation of comprehensive climate strategies, highlighting the need for international support and cooperation.
The fact that developing countries are not among the biggest emitters of GHGs further increases their lethargy towards climate actions.[8] However, they equally suffer damaging effects from climate change. Developing countries face a disproportionate vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change. Situated in regions prone to extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels, these nations endure devastating consequences such as loss of life, displacement of communities, and severe economic setbacks.
Moreover, agriculture, upon which many developing countries heavily rely, is especially susceptible to climate variability. For instance, between 2008 and 2011, drought resulted in annual economic losses amounting to 3.9 percent of Djibouti’s GDP.[9] Their constrained ability to adapt increases their vulnerability. This emphasizes the importance of why developing countries should be involved in climate actions.
Why collaboration is necessary
All parties must collaborate for the following reasons:
1.????? Reaching global climate targets: The goal of reaching way below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and aiming to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius, if possible, can only be achieved with collaborative efforts.[10] Developed nations must significantly reduce their emissions while developing nations need support to achieve sustainable growth. Collaboration is essential to ensure global emission reduction commitments are met, making it possible to achieve the collective goals of limiting global warming and protecting the planet.[11]
2.????? Economic growth: While developing nations rely on their economic shortcomings as a defence for climate inactions, collaborative climate actions can be of great economic value to both developed and developing countries. Investing in green technologies and infrastructure can generate jobs, improve public health, and enhance energy security. Such collaboration ensures that the transition to a low-carbon economy benefits all parties involved, leading to sustainable development.
3.????? Technology sharing: Technological advancement and expertise available to developed countries can be of global relevance if developed and developing countries collaborate accordingly.[12] These resources can be effectively shared, enabling the implementation of cutting-edge solutions and innovations in regions that might otherwise lack access to them. This can accelerate global progress toward climate goals.
4.????? Global nature of climate effects: Climate change is a global issue that goes beyond national borders. Its impact is felt worldwide. Hurricane Ian serves as a striking example. Originating from a tropical wave off the west coast of Africa in September 2022, it became the deadliest hurricane to hit Florida since 1935. It resulted in 157 fatalities, left 11 million people without power, and rendered thousands homeless, with damages exceeding $50 billion.[13]
This makes it necessary to coordinate international efforts to address it. Without collaboration, progress in one region can be negated by inaction or inadequate measures in another, making it essential for all nations to work together.
5.????? The need for Equity: As mentioned earlier, developed countries have contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions due to their early industrialization. This historical responsibility entails a moral and ethical obligation to assist developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Providing developing nations with the necessary resources and support is a matter of climate justice and equity.
6.????? Reducing migration tendencies: In the absence of adequate climate actions, the effect of climate change like flooding, droughts, etc., will cause many to flee their homes in search of survival. This creates a socioeconomic and political problem. But with collaborative efforts, climate change can be avoided and climate migration can be prevented. Where migration is necessary, collaborative efforts will also present a safe landing for the citizens of the compromised territories.
Medium of Collaboration
Some frameworks can be used to manage and maintain collaborative efforts in climate action.
1.????? International Agreements
International agreements can be used to enhance a concerted action towards climate change between developed and developing countries. For instance, the Paris Agreement which was adopted in 2015 establishes a framework for countries to restrict the increase in global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, aiming to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible.[14]
The Paris Agreement also provides that each country should outline its climate actions and targets in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).[15] The Paris Agreement also emphasizes transparency and mandates that countries regularly disclose their emissions data and provide updates on their progress toward climate goals. Through its bottom-up approach and commitment to inclusivity, the agreement aims to galvanize worldwide efforts to combat climate change by fostering collective responsibility and ensuring accountability across participating nations.
2.????? Technological Transfer
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International organizations and developed countries have important roles to play in the transfer of technology to developing nations. They bolster capacity-building initiatives, offer financial aid for technology adoption, and foster knowledge exchange through partnerships and collaborative projects. These acts assist developing countries in acquiring and implementing clean and efficient technologies for climate mitigation and adaptation. This solidifies their resilience and prospects for sustainable development.
3.????? Financial Aid
The financial support framework is of huge importance if developing countries will take part in climate actions. This manifests in the form of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a financial structure under the UNFCCC that supports developing countries in their efforts for climate mitigation and adaptation. Its goal is to mobilize resources from developed nations and allocate them to projects that bolster resilience and reduce emissions in vulnerable communities. GCF offers grants, concessional loans, and equity investments to support diverse projects, ranging from renewable energy initiatives to sustainable land use practices.[16]
Carbon market trading systems also enable countries and companies to trade on carbon credits. These markets function through cap-and-trade systems or carbon offset programs, allowing entities with emission reduction obligations to trade with those having surplus credits.[17] These mechanisms promote cost-effective emission reductions, stimulate innovation in low-carbon technologies, and enhance global cooperation in meeting climate targets.
Successful Case Studies
The first movers Coalition
This is a coalition by the World Economic Forum to act as a catalyst for climate action through collaboration, with the goal of rapidly decarbonizing industrial processes. The coalition's 74 signatories represent seven industrial sectors (Aluminum, Aviation, Cement & Concrete, Shipping, Steel, Trucking, and?Carbon dioxide Removal), that are hard to abate and currently account for 30% of global carbon emissions. The coalition aims to leverage its global purchasing power to drive the commercialization of low-carbon technologies.[18]
For many climate technologies, costs are declining too slowly to reduce emissions in line with midcentury net-zero targets. Coalition members commit to purchasing a substantial percentage of their raw materials and transportation from companies that operate with zero or near-zero carbon emissions. This strategy, despite its high financial cost for firms, provides commercial support to climate-responsible companies through consistent orders and sales. It also encourages more producers and service providers to transition to zero-carbon operations to gain similar market advantages.
Conclusion
The fight against climate change demands collaboration between developed and developing countries. The historical responsibility of developed nations?and the urgent need for sustainable growth in developing regions highlight the importance of united action. Through the sharing of resources, technologies, expertise, and joint initiatives, we can foster a global transition to a low-carbon economy. This cooperative approach not only addresses the immediate threats posed by climate change but also promotes equity and justice, ensuring that all nations can thrive in a sustainable future. The collective commitment to reducing emissions and supporting vulnerable communities will be crucial in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
[1] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/news-your-voice/news/baku-bonn-un-climate-change-conference-2024-06-14_en (Accessed on 15 June 2024
[2] Kara Anderson, August 26, 2024, What was the Industrial Revolution's Environmental Impact? Greenly Institute, accessed on 15 October 2024, https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/what-was-the-industrial-revolutions-environmental-impact
[3] European Union, European Climate Law, accessed on 15 October 2024, https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/european-climate-law_en#:~:text=The%20European%20Climate%20Law%20writes,2030%2C%20compared%20to%201990%20levels.
[4] The United States Department of States, November 2021, The Long-term Strategy of the United States, accessed on 15 October 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/us-long-term-strategy.pdf
[5] The Green Climate Fund accelerates transformative climate action in developing countries through a country-owned partnership approach and the?use of flexible financing solutions and climate investment expertise.
[6] Alex Wooley, 31 May 2018, Report: Climate change among least important issues according to developing countries, Aiddata, accessed on 15 October 2024, https://www.aiddata.org/blog/climate-change-among-least-important-issues-according-to-developing-countries
[7] Su Jung Lee, Kerstin Hotte, Caoimhe Ring, Robert Burrell, 22 August 2024, Making intellectual property rights work for climate technology transfer and innovation in developing countries, Arxiv, accessed on 15 October 2024, https://arxiv.org/html/2408.12338v1
[8] African Development Bank Group, Climate Change in Africa, accessed on 15 October 2024, https://www.afdb.org/en/cop25/climate-change-africa
[9] African Development Bank Group, Climate Change in Africa, accessed on 15 October 2024, https://www.afdb.org/en/cop25/climate-change-africa?
[10] Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, Alexander Nauels, Uta Klonne, Bill Hare, 13 January 2023, Is the 1.5-degree Celsius target still in reach? Climate Analytics, accessed on 17 October 2024, https://climateanalytics.org/comment/is-the-15c-limit-still-in-reach-faqs#:~:text=The%20Paris%20Agreement%20aims%20at,and%20impacts%20of%20climate%20change%E2%80%9D.
[11] International Energy Agency, 14 September 2023, Stronger international cooperation in high emissions sectors crucial to get on track for 1.5 °C climate goal, accessed on 17 October 2024, https://www.iea.org/news/stronger-international-cooperation-in-high-emissions-sectors-crucial-to-get-on-track-for-1-5-c-climate-goal
[12] Shamsuzzoha B Syed et all, 2012, Developed-developing country partnerships: Benefits to developed countries? Accessed on 17 October 2024, https://globalizationandhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1744-8603-8-17
[13] Katrin Eggenberger, 24 March 2023, Accelerating climate action through collaboration, accessed on 13 June 2024,
[14] Article 2(1)(a) of the Paris Agreement.
[15] Article 3 of the Paris Agreement
[16] Green Climate Fund, Overview, Our Transformative Approach, accessed on 18 October 2024, https://www.greenclimate.fund/about
[17] Will Kenton, 15 August 2024, Carbon Credits, How They Work, and Who Buys Them, Investopedia, accessed on 18 October 2024, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/carbon_credit.asp