Climate change stems from colonial empires’ expansionist aims. Centuries of exploitation changed natural landscapes, economies, and human aspirations, establishing a global trend of unrelenting industrial growth. Colonisation accelerated deforestation and environmental deterioration, paving the way for an industrial age powered by fossil fuels.
Developed countries, which benefited early from this exploitation, established lifestyles characterised by luxury and high energy consumption, producing a model many people with low incomes now desire to emulate. However, the resource-intensive Western model has proven unsustainable, and wealthier nations must accept responsibility for steering the Global South into alternate, low-carbon pathways. Promises Vs actions: As the climate crisis worsens, the need for decisive action becomes more urgent.
The 2024 UNEP Emissions Gap Report paints a bleak picture: if current trends continue, global temperatures could rise by up to 3.1 degrees Celsius by 2100, far exceeding the targets set by key agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. The pledges made at succeeding climate summits have mostly yet to be fulfilled.
Adding to this, the financial and logistical challenges faced by poorer countries putting climate agreements in a state of stasis. As we approach Cop29, the need for actionable solutions is undeniable, but the international community is still playing catch-up in a complex web of interests and responsibilities. The.