The End of Global Climate Policy

Source: This post on Shift in global climate policy has been created based on article “The End of Global Climate Policy“ published in The Hindu on 7^th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS 3-Environment

Context: The article examines a pivotal shift in global climate policy following the 2024 climate conference in Baku, which marked a significant departure from the traditional framework of the global climate treaty. This shift involved moving away from the post-colonial distinction between “donor” and “recipient” nations and advocating for the establishment of an alternative global sustainability forum. The emphasis is on empowering developing countries to take control of their climate strategies and prioritize sustainable development.

What significant shift occurred at the 2024 Baku Climate Conference?

1. The 2024 Baku Climate Conference redefined the global climate treaty by eliminating the post-colonial distinction between “donors” and “recipients.”
2. It proposed establishing an alternate global sustainability forum, emphasizing that developing countries should take control of their own destinies.

What was the original purpose of the 1992 climate treaty?

The treaty aimed to collectively address climate concerns by:

1. Mandating the G7 to reduce future carbon emissions.
2. Offering developing countries technology transfers and financial support for tackling a problem they did not create.

Why is the current global climate arrangement criticized?

The system favors the G7 due to:

1. A disconnect between academic frameworks and real-world practices.
2. Rules addressing symptoms, not root causes, of climate issues.
3. Pressure on developing countries to incentivize private finance and manage trade restrictions, which were not part of the original agreement.

How has the G7’s role evolved?

1. The G7, emerging in 1973, represents former colonial powers.
2. They have overused atmospheric resources, shifting the burden of carbon reductions onto developing nations.
3. The G7 has now distanced itself from financial responsibilities for climate action, offering only illusory commitments like providing funds by 2035.

What is the perspective of the Global South on climate change?

1. The Global South, accounting for 80% of the population and 50% of GDP, prioritizes sustainable development over emission reductions.
2. The focus is on “just transition,” addressing social dimensions of climate policies.
3. They demand climate justice by challenging:
   • Unfair global-local distinctions.
   • Widening inequalities caused by solutions like carbon pricing and trade restrictions.

How do emissions and urbanization trends reveal disparities?

1. G7 (with 20% of the population) consumed 75% of global resources in 1950, with the U.S. alone consuming 40%.
2. By 2050, G7’s share of global emissions will be 25%, while Asia will account for 55%, aligning with population shares.
3. Urbanization drives three-quarters of emissions, and the Global South is adopting sustainable urban resource use unlike the G7’s historical patterns.

What foundational changes are required for sustainability?

New principles must prioritize justice, focusing on:

1. A fair transition to sustainable urbanization.
2. Ecological balance while ensuring shared prosperity.
3. Developing strategic frameworks like the G7’s rules-based order but tailored to the Global South.

What steps are proposed for global governance reform?

1. Alternate Sustainability Forum:
   • BRICS and partners should create a global forum for:
     • Urban energy transition.
     • Research on sustainability science and urbanization.
     • Monitoring G7 climate policies.

2. Limit UN Climate Negotiations:
   • Restrict the focus to G7 emissions reductions.
   • Allocate $300 billion in grants to Small Island States and Least Developed Countries.
3. Reassess International Fora:
   • Treat international gatherings as platforms for annual stocktaking and course correction.
   • Allow ineffective institutions like the WTO to phase out.

What role should BRICS play in the new order?

1. BRICS should bridge the gap in multilateralism and advocate for fair global governance.
2. Their efforts can strengthen their claim for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, reflecting their influence in shaping global sustainability.