Why do poorer countries see climate change as a low priority?

PART 1 of 2

Whilst the worlds more prosperous countries are leading the charge on climate change, the poorer countries are not. Why?

The disparity between how prosperous and poorer countries address climate change largely stems from differences in resources, priorities, and capacities.

Poorer countries often lack the financial resources to invest in large-scale climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. These countries are frequently burdened with more immediate concerns, such as poverty, healthcare, and basic infrastructure. Addressing climate change can be seen as a lower priority compared to these pressing needs.

Many developing countries are still in the process of industrialising and improving their economic standing. This often involves activities that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, such as expanding energy production (often through fossil fuels), agriculture, and manufacturing. These countries may prioritise economic development over environmental concerns, arguing that their per capita emissions are still much lower than those of wealthier nations.

Historically, wealthier countries have been the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Many poorer nations argue that the responsibility for addressing climate change should lie primarily with those who have contributed most to the problem. This has led to calls for climate justice, where richer nations are expected to provide financial and technical assistance to help poorer countries transition to greener economies.

Wealthier nations have greater access to advanced technologies that can help reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. Poorer nations may not have the same access to these technologies, making it more difficult for them to implement effective climate policies.

In some developing countries, political instability, corruption, and social challenges can hinder the effective implementation of climate policies. In contrast, wealthier countries often have more stable governments and better institutional frameworks to tackle climate change.

The debate regarding climate change from the far left and the far-right touches on a complex intersection of cultural, social, and economic issues that have become increasingly prominent in recent years. The clash between "wokeism" and more traditional or conservative perspectives often revolves around differing priorities and worldviews