Global Rice News

Developed countries must take responsibility for climate change and not shift the burden onto developing nations like India and China. It is hypocritical for developed countries to demand the immediate phase-out of coal when countries like India still rely on thermal power for their energy needs. Furthermore, these developed countries are failing to meet their own emission reduction commitments made in the 2016 Paris climate meeting.

A recent analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) reveals that developed countries will collectively emit approximately 3.7 giga tonnes of extra carbon dioxide in 2020, exceeding their nationally determined commitments. This represents a 40% overshoot in emissions, with the US, the EU, and Russia accounting for 83% of this increase. Only two out of 17 countries, Norway and Belarus, will achieve their emission reduction goals. However, this is not reassuring considering Norway was identified as one of the countries whose fossil-fuel expansion plans will contribute significantly to the impending climate disaster. In fact, Norway, along with the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK, will be responsible for over half of the planned additions.

The actions of developed countries significantly impact the carbon budget available to developing nations as they strive for economic growth and improved living conditions for their citizens. The fairness of the global energy transition depends on developed countries leaving enough carbon space for developing and least developed nations, while also supporting their adoption of clean technologies. Considering that the developing world will bear the brunt of the consequences of global warming, it is crucial for developed nations to take more ambitious actions. Unfortunately, these countries are falling short of even their modest emission reduction goals. Their commitments for 2030 only represent a 36% reduction from their 2019 emission levels, far below the global average of 43% necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Additionally, developed countries have failed to provide adequate funding for the transition to cleaner fuels and technologies. The goal of providing $100 billion annually by 2020 is only being met now, while several trillions of dollars are required to support the developing world in achieving climate goals.

The refusal of developed countries to take responsibility will have severe consequences for the Global South. As the 28th Conference of Parties in Dubai approaches, it is imperative for developed countries to come together and take concrete actions. Promises of future emission reductions after 2030 are insufficient when there is little faith in their present efforts. Only five developed countries – the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Portugal – are on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The West must lead by example and demonstrate the responsibility they expect from others.

Source: [Financial Express](https://www.financialexpress.com)