During his recent G20 presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the Global South a central focus. He argued that the G20 must be a "voice for the voiceless" and that it must work to address the unique challenges faced by developing countries.
Modi also highlighted a number of issues that are particularly important to the Global South, including climate change, food security and sustainable development. His focus was welcomed by many developing countries. They saw it as a sign that the G20 is finally taking their concerns seriously.
What is the Global South?
The Global South is a term used to describe the developing countries of the world, typically in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These countries are often characterised by high levels of poverty and inequality. They are also more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, despite contributing less to it.
For example, the most affluent countries of the world, also referred to as the “Global North”, are responsible for around half of all emissions since the Industrial Revolution, as estimated by the World Inequality Database. In 2019, the top 10 percent of global emitters (771 million individuals) were responsible for about 48 per cent of global CO2 emissions, while the bottom 50 percent (3.8 billion individuals) were responsible for almost 12 percent of all emissions. This does not mean that lesser developed countries, often located in the “Global South”, have not contributed to global warming. It just implies that they have had a less equal share in it.
But the effects of climate change are felt most acutely in the Global South. It widens already-existing global inequalities, thereby undermining efforts of poverty reduction. A report of the World Bank estimates that the ecological crisis might drive up to 135 million people into poverty by 2030.
Many of these countries are located in regions that are already prone to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Climate change is exacerbating these events, making them more frequent and severe. For example, countries in Africa have some of the lowest national greenhouse gas emissions, and yet the continent is home to many of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Similarly, the island nation of Kiribati, which has negligible greenhouse gas emissions, could be the first country to be wiped off the global map due to rising sea levels.
The Global South is also home to some of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Around the world, 36 areas are designated as hotspots. Their intact habitats represent just 2.5 per cent of Earth’s land surface, but they support more than half of the world’s plant species as endemics — i.e., species found no place else — and nearly 43 per cent of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species as endemics. Climate change is threatening these ecosystems, putting many species at risk of extinction.
What does the Global South have a vital role to play in climate action?
Developing countries are home to a growing share of the world's population, and their economies are rapidly growing. As a result, their emissions of greenhouse gases are increasing. However, the Global South also has significant potential for renewable energy and other climate mitigation solutions.
Here are some ways that they can and are contributing:
Investing in renewable energy: Developing countries are investing heavily in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. For example, Morocco has renewable energy projects that make up two-fifths of its installed energy capacity. India, on the other hand, has the fastest-growing rate of renewable electricity growth of any major economy. This can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Conserving forests: Forests play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Developing countries are working to conserve their forests and plant new trees. In October, countries that are home to the world’s three major rainforests – the Amazon, the Congo basin, and forests in Southeast Asia - agreed to cooperate to overcome deforestation and safeguard biodiversity. This can help to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity.
Adapting to climate change: The Global South is also working to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and more extreme weather events. This includes building seawalls, developing drought-resistant crops, and improving early warning systems for extreme weather events.
What can the international community do?
Making the transition to a sustainable, resilient and productive economy is not free. It will require substantial upfront capital. So, the Global North can:
● Provide financial assistance: Developed countries can provide financial assistance to developing countries to help them invest in renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, conserve forests, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
● Transfer technology: The transfer of technology to developing countries can help them reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change.
● Build capacity: Developed countries can help to build the capacity of developing countries to implement climate change policies and programs.
By supporting the Global South in climate change action, the international community can help to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
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