The Climate Crisis Deepens Global Inequity

Carbon emissions are driving climate change, and its consequences are being felt worldwide. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events like droughts and floods are not just environmental issues - they are direct threats to food security, water access, economic stability, and human survival [1] [2] [3]. While wealthier nations invest in ways to reduce emissions over the long term, the world’s poorest communities are already struggling with the reality of a changing climate right now [4].

Although they contribute a smaller share of global emissions, developing countries face heightened vulnerability to climate change impacts. Sub-Saharan Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions but suffers disproportionately from climate-related adversities [5]. Per capita emissions in these regions are markedly lower than in developed nations; in 2019, the average per capita CO₂ emissions were 1.2 metric tons in Africa, 4.4 metric tons in Asia and the Pacific, and 2.7 metric tons in Latin America and the Caribbean - all significantly below the 9.5 metric tons per capita observed in developed countries [6].

Despite their low emissions, developing countries are experiencing rapid increases in per capita CO₂ emissions due to industrialization and economic growth. For example, Vietnam's per capita emissions have surged by nearly 400% since 2000, while China, India, and Indonesia have also seen substantial increases [7]. This paradox highlights the urgent need for sustainable development strategies that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. Implementing clean energy solutions and adaptation measures is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on these vulnerable regions.  

These impacts exacerbate existing socio-economic challenges, hindering development efforts and perpetuating cycles of poverty [8].   Energy poverty forces communities to depend on traditional energy sources like wood, charcoal, and kerosene, which not only emit CO₂, but also pose health risks due to indoor air pollution [9]. The reliance on these fuels contributes to deforestation and environmental degradation, further exacerbating climate change. The absence of reliable electricity hampers economic development, limits educational opportunities, and restricts access to essential services such as healthcare [10]; without electricity, medical facilities cannot operate vital equipment or store vaccines safely, leading to increased health vulnerabilities. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that emphasizes adaptation strategies, particularly through the implementation of renewable energy solutions, to foster sustainable development and alleviate poverty.