Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Global issues, Issue: India’s global south push.
Context:
The West’s declining influence in climate governance due to geopolitical shifts such as US isolationism, fragmented EU has opened opportunities for the Global South. It raises a question that countries like Brazil, South Africa, India, and China step up to fill the climate leadership vacuum?
Key Highlights:
Historical Context:
- 1972 Stockholm Conference: Indian PM Indira Gandhi declared, “Poverty is the worst form of pollution.”
- Global Cooperation Outcomes:
- 1992 Rio Earth Summit
- 2015 Paris Climate Agreement
- Yet, commitments remain largely unfulfilled, especially financial support from the Global North.
Decline of the West in Climate Leadership:
- US: Increasingly isolationist, aggressive, and protectionist under Trump’s second administration.
- EU: Distracted by rise of far-right politics and defence issues, it lacks resources and political will to provide global leadership.
- Result: Collapse of the idea of a coherent “West” as a climate leader.
Opportunity for the Global South:
- Carrying the Burden: Faces brunt of climate shocks but can lead in equitable, inclusive clean-energy transition.
- Advantages:
- Renewable energy now more scalable, affordable, and reliable.
- Clean energy transition can stabilize economies and improve health.
Role of Global South Governments:
- China:
- Large role in renewable energy and electric mobility.
- Exporting solar panels despite trade barriers.
- South Africa:
- Using G20 to push African voices.
- Advocates for debt relief, low-cost finance, and green industrialization.
- India, Brazil, South Africa: Working collectively under BRICS and G20 to push climate agenda.
Upcoming CoP-30 (Brazil, 2025):
- Significance:
- First time in Amazon region, highly symbolic for climate justice.
- Chance to push Global South priorities.
- UN Secretary-General’s Call: António Guterres urged Brazil to ensure CoP-30 is “a turning point.”
- Expected Outcomes:
- Enhanced ambition for climate action.
- Roadmap for financing climate transition.
- Balanced responsibility sharing between developed and developing countries.
Challenges for Global South:
- Internal Contradictions:
- Several members (Russia, UAE) still dependent on fossil fuels.
- Diverging interests within BRICS.
- Dependence on China: Over-reliance on China’s industrial capacity and global dominance in solar supply chains.
- Structural Barriers: Global trade, finance, and investment rules still disadvantage developing nations.
Way Forward:
- Collective Leadership: Global South must act together to ensure equitable energy transition.
- Focus Areas for CoP-30:
- Financing clean energy.
- Debt relief.
- Adaptation support.
- Technology transfer.
- Principle of Equity: Developmental needs of Global South must be integrated into climate commitments.
- Long-Term Goal: Lead the world toward sustainable prosperity while uplifting lives and protecting the planet.
Conclusion:
CoP-30 presents a historic opportunity for the Global South to lead climate governance by championing equity, finance, and sustainable transitions. By acting collectively, these nations can bridge development needs with climate responsibility, ensuring an energy transition that uplifts people while safeguarding the planet.
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