MEV 025: Unit 14 – Responses of Global South
UNIT 14: RESPONSES OF GLOBAL SOUTH
14.1 Introduction
The Global South—comprising developing and
least-developed nations—faces a disproportionate burden of the impacts of
climate change. These nations contribute least to global greenhouse gas
emissions but remain the most vulnerable to its consequences. With limited
financial, technological, and institutional capacities, the Global South’s
response to climate change involves a mix of adaptation, mitigation, and
demands for global justice and equity in international climate negotiations.
This unit explores how the Global South responds to climate challenges while
asserting its development rights.
14.2 Objectives
After
studying this unit, you should be able to:
·
Understand
the geopolitical distinction between the Global North and Global South.
·
Explain
the historical and political roots of climate inequality.
·
Explore
the Global South’s perspectives on sustainable
development and equality.
·
Assess
the significance of the right
to development in international climate negotiations.
·
Examine
the key strategies and
alliances formed by Global South nations in responding to
climate challenges.
14.3 North-South Politics
·
The
Global North
(industrialized countries) is largely responsible for historical greenhouse gas
emissions, while the Global
South has contributed less but faces greater climate
vulnerability.
·
This
imbalance has led to climate
injustice, where those least responsible suffer the most.
·
North-South
politics in climate negotiations revolve around:
o Historical responsibility and climate debt.
o Financial and
technological support.
o Capacity building and
differentiated responsibilities.
·
The
principle of Common
But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), introduced in the
UNFCCC, reflects this divide.
14.4 Sustainable Development and Equality
·
The
Global South advocates for integrated
development that balances economic growth with environmental
protection and social equity.
·
Key
principles include:
o Poverty eradication as a priority alongside
climate action.
o Equity in access to
energy, food, and water resources.
o Ensuring that climate
policies do not hinder development goals.
·
Sustainable
development in the South requires:
o Fair trade terms.
o Access to green technology and
financial assistance.
o Support for low-carbon development pathways
adapted to national contexts.
14.5 Right to Development
·
The
Right to Development,
declared by the UN in 1986, asserts that every nation has the right to pursue
economic and social development.
·
For
the Global South, this right includes:
o Industrialization, infrastructure, and
urban development.
o Use of natural resources
for national benefit.
o Access to climate finance
and adaptation technology without compromising sovereignty.
·
Climate
agreements must accommodate this right by:
o Providing flexibility in
emissions reduction commitments.
o Ensuring climate justice
through compensation and support mechanisms.
14.6 Strategies of Global South
Global
South nations have adopted diverse strategies to respond to climate change,
both independently and through international cooperation:
1.
Forming Alliances:
o Groups like G77 + China, BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India,
China), and LMDC
(Like-Minded Developing Countries) play vital roles in climate
negotiations.
o These coalitions demand equity, transparency,
and fair
burden-sharing.
2.
South-South Cooperation:
o Sharing knowledge,
technology, and resources among developing countries.
o Enhancing regional
climate resilience through joint
infrastructure and adaptation projects.
3.
Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Programs:
o Promoting climate-smart agriculture,
renewable energy
adoption, and disaster
risk reduction.
o Leveraging indigenous
knowledge and community-based
approaches.
4.
Pushing for Climate Finance:
o Advocating for
fulfillment of the $100 billion annual climate finance commitment from
developed nations.
o Supporting mechanisms
like the Loss and
Damage Fund for countries suffering from irreversible climate
impacts.
5.
Integrating Climate Goals with Development Plans:
o Aligning Nationally Determined Contributions
(NDCs) under the Paris Agreement with broader national
development objectives.
14.7 Let Us Sum Up
·
The
Global South faces a dual challenge of addressing climate change while pursuing
development.
·
North-South
climate politics are shaped by historical
emissions, economic disparities, and power imbalances.
·
The
Global South emphasizes the right
to development and seeks equitable solutions that recognize
their vulnerabilities and contributions.
·
Through
alliances, regional cooperation, and strategic climate planning, the Global
South is asserting its voice in global environmental governance.
·
The
demand for climate
justice, finance, and technology transfer remains central to
its agenda.
14.8 Keywords
1.
Global South – Developing countries primarily
located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
2.
Global North – Industrialized and wealthier
nations, mainly in Europe and North America.
3.
Climate Justice – Addressing ethical and political
issues related to unequal climate change impacts and responsibilities.
4.
Right to Development – The right of nations to pursue
economic and social advancement.
5.
Sustainable Development – Development
that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
6.
CBDR – Common But Differentiated Responsibilities; a
principle in international environmental law.
7.
South-South Cooperation – Collaborative exchange
of resources and knowledge among developing countries.
8.
G77 + China – A coalition of developing
countries in the United Nations.
9.
NDCs – Nationally Determined Contributions; national
climate action plans under the Paris Agreement.
10. Loss and Damage Fund – A financial mechanism
to support countries facing irreversible climate damage.
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