Editorial
COP29 has laid bare the stark inequities in global climate negotiations, with the Global North failing to meet the financial demands of the Global South. A draft agreement proposed $250 billion annually in climate finance by 2035 from developed nations—a figure deemed “unacceptable” by countries like Pakistan, who had initially called for $1.3 trillion. This cut to less than 20% of what is needed highlights the failure of the Global North to live up to its responsibilities in addressing the climate crisis.
The reduction of climate finance is a moral failure, as the Global North has been historically responsible for the bulk of carbon emissions. Meanwhile, countries on the frontlines of the climate crisis, such as those in South Asia, continue to suffer the devastating effects of floods, droughts, and rising seas. These nations are being asked to bear the brunt of the crisis while the wealthier countries sidestep their obligations. The potential withdrawal of the US from climate commitments, particularly under Trump, threatens to undo the fragile progress made through the Paris Agreement.
Experts have warned that this deadlock could lead to “collective suicide,” as the US exit could embolden other nations to abandon their commitments. Developing countries, already struggling with limited resources, are forced to prioritize immediate survival over long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, developed nations continue to invest in decarbonization efforts that exclude the Global South, deepening the divide between those who can afford climate action and those who cannot.
These financial commitments are not charity, but a necessity for maintaining global cooperation. For the Global North, fulfilling its obligations is vital to ensuring trust and collaborative action in tackling one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced.
