Addressing Climate Injustice:Unveiling Western Emissions’ Impact and Advocating Interconnected Global Solutions
Theodor Westerlund, Design by Hana Norder
Climate change impacts the world unevenly, with third-world countries bearing a disproportionate burden of emissions from industrialized nations. Exploring the root causes of this injustice, we note a growing ignorance in advocating for a singular focus on climate change. However, is it not crucial to recognize that addressing global challenges requires attention to interconnected problems? This argument´s logic will be presented in our journey ahead.
How Emissions from the West Are Harming Third-World Countries
The disproportionate impact of climate change on third-world countries can be traced to historical emissions, rooted in the industrial revolution´s reliance on fossil fuels and subsequent carbon emissions. Western countries, notably the United States and Europe, were major contributors to the accumulation of greenhouse gases during this period. Third-world countries, in contrast to many Western countries, grapple with economic disparities, high poverty rates, and limited access to clean energy technologies. Consequently, third-world nations, though playing a minor role in causing the crisis, lack the resources to adapt to and combat the consequences of climate change. Moreover, these countries face heightened vulnerability to the escalating frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, floods and heatwaves, resulting in loss of life and property, displacement and food insecurity (Environmental Justice Foundation, 2022).
However, addressing this issue requires not only a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from Western countries but also increased support for mitigation and adaptation efforts in third-world nations. Ultimately, tackling climate change is a shared global responsibility, and addressing this injustice is a vital part of the solution. Failure to do so perpetuates a cycle of inequality and exacerbates the impacts of climate change on those who are least equipped to deal with them. Western countries can play a significant role in helping to minimize the climate effects on third-world countries through a combination of financial, technological, and policy support. This could be done through combining building resilience to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events and rising sea levels, with tree planting and reforestation efforts to sequester carbon and prevent deforestation (Climate Justice Alliance, 2022).
Ignorance: Problematizing Today´s Climate Debate
I think most people understand that Western nations should be held responsible for reducing emissions. However, the continuous question is: how much should the West focus on the matter? If you ask Greta Thunberg & Co, they would say that the sole focus in society must lay on climate change. This argument is not only ignorant, but also detrimental to society as a whole. Every country has an obligation to look to all societal problems and not just one. The problems with the single-focus approach are plenty: Neglecting societal issues leads to social unrest and political instability; focusing only on climate change can alienate people who are concerned about other pressing issues; the moral responsibility to address other societal problems (basic human needs) are undermined etc (Sustainable Development Solutions Network, 2022).
So, what are the arguments posed for focusing solely on climate change? An often-mentioned argument is the urgency of the matter. Those who advocate it see it as a pressing concern that requires immediate attention to ensure a sustainable future and that it is not prioritized enough. They also strongly believe that humanity has a moral duty to protect the environment and mitigate the negative impacts of human activities on the planet before it is too late. Adding to this is the argument that without addressing climate change, the ability of future generations to thrive and enjoy a high quality of life could be severely compromised (Climate Justice Alliance, 2022).
It is important to note that the above arguments necessarily are not wrong. I do not write this text to dismiss the importance of addressing climate change. However, isolating the question of climate change will not lead to a more sustained future. It is important to find a balanced approach that considers both global and local issues. Additionally, the moral responsibility in addressing climate change may overshadow other ethical concerns, such as economic well-being and job security. It is crucial to find a balance between environmental responsibility and economic stability. Focusing on a variety of societal problems simultaneously, rather than solely on climate change, is essential because our world´s challenges are interconnected, and addressing one problem often has implications for others. If climate change is addressed in isolation, the undermining of economic and political stability is inevitable.
Why Should SSE-Students Care?
Why should you care then? Well, because you, as a student at one of Europe´s most prestigious economic schools, function as a torchbearer of the future. You should care, for your concerns reach far beyond the immediacy of the classroom. As a student, you carry the burden of safeguarding the fragile balance of our ecosystems and preserving the beauty of this Earth. You should have concern not just for yourself but for the magnificent diversity of life on Earth. It is a choice to foster resilience, to nurture empathy, and to uphold the unwavering spirit of hope found in our ancient forests and boundless seas. Will you continue to be dormant or take action?
Bibliography:
Climate Justice Alliance. (2022). “Climate Justice Report”. CJA. https://climatejusticealliance.org
Environmental Justice Foundation. (2022). “Protecting People and Planet”. EJF. https://ejfoundation.org
Sustainable Development Solutions Network. (2022). “Networks In Action”. SDSNI. https://www.unsdsn.org