The Global South vs. the Global North: Climate Change Injustice Unveiled
The UK experienced its first heat wave of the year 2024, with temperatures soaring as high as 30.3C. The UK Health Security Agency and Met Office issued weather health alerts for most of the country, warning of the threat of increased deaths among older and vulnerable people. However, while 30C may seem high, temperatures in the Global South have been steadily rising every year, reaching record highs of 50C consistently. This year’s high temperatures began three weeks ago, resulting in 568 deaths due to heatstroke in Karachi, Pakistan, in just one week.
In India, at least 40,000 cases of heat stroke have been reported since March, with at least 110 people dying across the country due to suspected heat stroke. The extreme temperatures have made it difficult for people to rest and recuperate, as the heat persists even during the night. The unprecedented heat wave during Hajj 2024 claimed the lives of over 1,000 pilgrims, highlighting the global impact of climate change.
Amidst these devastating consequences of climate change, the actions of climate activist group Just Stop Oil made headlines in the UK. The group spray painted Stonehenge with orange powder paint on Summer Solstice, demanding that the UK government does not issue any new gas or oil licenses. While their actions were deemed extreme, they raise important questions about the urgency of addressing climate change.
The historical role of Britain and other European countries in causing harm to communities worldwide through their colonial legacy cannot be ignored. Colonialism’s impact on climate extends beyond historical injustices, altering ecosystems and disrupting sustainable practices of indigenous communities. The Global North’s historical reliance on fossil fuels has led to significant greenhouse gas emissions, with high-income countries responsible for approximately 75% of global cumulative carbon emissions.
The Global South is facing the worst impacts of climate change, despite being the least responsible for emissions. The carbon footprint of individuals in Western countries far exceeds that of individuals in developing nations. Climate justice movements have long called for reparations, recognizing the “climate debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer ones.
Unnecessary wars and conflicts initiated by imperial countries have also significantly contributed to climate change. Israel’s assault in Gaza resulted in planet-warming emissions greater than the annual carbon footprint of more than 20 of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. The rich pollute differently and much more, with the actions of billionaires like Jeff Bezos contributing significantly to carbon emissions.
Despite their historical responsibility and capability, Western countries are not doing enough to combat climate change and assist affected regions in the Global South. The financial reparations promised to help developing countries adapt to climate change have been insufficient and slow to materialize. The Global North’s inadequate response and hypocrisy in addressing climate change threaten the present and future of both the Global South and themselves.
To address climate change effectively, it is essential to acknowledge and rectify colonial legacies, hold countries accountable through reparations, and transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Climate justice cannot be achieved without peace, and urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and devastation due to climate change.