NDTV World Summit: There Is Trust Deficit On The Climate Highway, Say Environmental Activists

A significant trust deficit remains between developed and developing countries over climate change policies and funding, according to leaders in climate activism and policy. 

Panelists at The Climate Agenda – Setting the Terms event, at the NDTV World Summit 2024, agreed there were disparities in the starting points of the climate action journey for the developed and the developing countries. There is also pressure on the latter to reach goals at the same pace. While developed countries are pushing for urgent global climate action, developing nations are seeking flexibility and more time to meet the same end line. 

Erik Solheim, former minister of climate and the environment of Norway, noted the need to view climate action as an opportunity, particularly for countries like India. "For the first time in human history, it is possible to see climate action as an opportunity, not just a problem," he said, pointing to India's ambitious goal of 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

"With leadership from Prime Minister Modi, state governments, and major industrialists like Adani and Reliance, I’m confident India will reach this goal," Solheim said.

However, Harjeet Singh, director of the Fossil Fuel Treaty, spoke about a critical risk that rich countries might prioritise their own climate resilience over funding for developing nations.

"As developed countries get more affected by climate change, they are starting to look inward. This could lead to a reduced flow of funds to developing countries," Singh said, stressing that despite disasters hitting both developed and developing nations, the latter bear the brunt while having contributed far less to the crisis historically.

"The kind of disasters we see are spread globally, but it's undeniable that those historically less responsible for the climate crisis are the most affected," said Shishir Priyadarshi, president of the Chintan Research Foundation. For India, balancing reliable and affordable energy with its development goals is key. "We are committed to 2.5 trillion dollars in investment between 2030-50, but we need to be met halfway. We will get to zero emissions, but at our own speed, with the necessary pit stops along the way," he said.

Lindy Cameron, UK High Commissioner, pointed to her country’s commitment to climate action, noting that the UK has shut down its last coal-fired power station, and is on track for carbon-free electricity by 2030. However, she acknowledged the need for developed countries such as hers to assist others. "It’s vital that we ensure climate finance is available to help countries like India grow at their own pace, while achieving low-carbon electricity."

The panel stressed that the trust deficit stemmed from developed nations pressuring developing ones to cut fossil fuel use, while continuing their own expansions. "Countries like Australia, Canada, and the US are responsible for over 50% of fossil fuel expansion through 2050. This is why the trust deficit exists," Singh said, adding promises of financial and technological support from richer nations have fallen short.

Priyadarshi drew parallels with past economic negotiations, saying the trust deficit has historical roots. "When the trade deficit began, developing countries were promised gains for opening markets," he said. But developed nations have repeatedly dictated terms, fostering this mistrust, according to him.