But these poorer countries shouldn’t count on that. Because most of the Global North not only denies their excessive role in causing the crisis, they are also completely against accepting the principle of responsibility.
Pakistan is now suffering from this catastrophe. Let’s call this “climate collapse”.
scientists say It’s happening more seriously than anywhere else in the world.is more than
1,300 people lost their lives,
33 million Others are influenced by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Shevas Sharif Last week was ‘worst’ [monsoon season] in the history of the country. ”
The harrowing images of washed away homes, stranded refugees, and children and the elderly rushing into flood waters vividly underscore the stark inequalities of the crisis that is echoing across the global South.In fact, many
3.6 billion The most vulnerable people shouldering the worst climate disruption live in the global South.
according to
United Nations World Food Program, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, extreme weather caused by rising temperatures is pushing millions of already poor people into hunger.what it looks like now
Up to 828 million The number of people around the world who go hungry every night will skyrocket if global warming is not brought under control, says the report.
The human cost is immeasurable, but the economic price tag is immeasurable. in pakistan,
1/3 of the country is underwaterThe torrential rains and floods, now in their second month, have been devastating.
million housesubmerged about 2,200 miles of roads, and a third of the country.
2 million acres (809,371 hectares) of agricultural land and the livelihoods of its inhabitants. Damages so far are estimated to be over $10 billion for her.
Four% of the country’s annual gross domestic product, according to Pakistani officials.
Emission sinners should pay
If scientists are convinced that climate disruption is man-made, a product of emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels, countries like Pakistan themselves are responsible for this destruction. It is impossible to claim that
according to
Global Climate Risk IndexPakistani accounts
less than 1% The countries of the Horn of Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan, enduring two years of severe drought and extreme food insecurity in the world’s greenhouse gases.
only 0.1% of global emissions.
In 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole had a per capita carbon footprint of just 0.1 tonnes.
17 tons in Australia, 18.5 in Canada and 15.5 in the United States. Pakistan’s per capita emissions he less than 1 ton.
Historically, i.e., since 1850, the United States has
25% of total carbon emissions To answer this, EU countries, including the UK, are the second most disgraced at 22%. China, the largest single emitter today, is historically one-third her way, accounting for 13% of total global emissions.
1 study calculated that the Global North is responsible for 92% of global emissions beyond planetary boundaries.
But it is the Global South that is at the forefront of climate collapse. Pakistan ranks eighth in terms of climate-related vulnerability, behind countries such as Myanmar, Haiti, Mozambique and Bangladesh.
Global Climate Risk Index. 2021,
heavy rain It has submerged a quarter of Bangladesh and destroyed millions of homes. The Pacific island nations of Vanuatu and Tuvalu have very little carbon dioxide emissions,
It disappears under the rising tide.It is understandable, therefore, that these countries have sought accountability and reparation over the years.
“Loss and Damage” Besides mitigation and adaptation, it is emerging as the third pillar of UN-led climate negotiations. The issue was a flashpoint at the last UN-sponsored Climate Change Summit in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021.America
lead the group Blocking the creation of rich country loss and damage financing facilities.
But with this year’s devastating weather events, the issue of liability is once again being debated with renewed force. Pakistan’s Minister of Planning, Development and Reform, Afsan Iqbal, has called on developed countries to take greater responsibility for countries devastated by climate change. “For all the quality of life that people in the West enjoy, someone is paying the price in the developing world,” he said on August 30.
“This is the climate crisis” Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Pakistan Representative
told CNN In August. “Climate change, largely driven by wealthy countries, is fueling the crisis and I believe it is time for the world to respond to help Pakistan in this time of need.”
Pakistan Receives Humanitarian Aid for Recovery Effort – US
promised $30 millionUnited Nations $3 million — and access to international funding
green climate fund, assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices. But this is not the same as compensation.
Hard selling
Even if the number of Americans increases
support US participation There is little consensus on whether the United States is responsible for providing climate-related financial support to developing countries in international efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In the United States itself, there is little discussion of climate-related liability, liability and compensation.
So far,
Wallonia in Scotland and Belgium I paid the damages.their
Total contribution of only about €1 million Works, they were heralded by the UN Secretary General to set a precedent.
EU-wide Under consideration.
Other countries should join the climate summit, called COP 27, which will be held in Egypt in November, as victims bring their anger and demands. If the developed nations do not respond, the burning issue could derail the entire summit and throw a wrench on the global climate. protection efforts.
The poor countries of the South have justice and fairness on their side, but tragically lack the power to deliver justice – climate justice.
