The following is an opinion piece by OxCAN member Robin Guenier. Please note that the views expressed in this piece are solely those of the author's and not of OxCAN.
In its anxiety to support ‘The Race to Net Zero’, I believe OxCAN may be overlooking the fact that emission reduction is a global challenge; and that only a few countries are involved in the ‘Race’.
And that’s because the countries where scientists, the media, academia and leading politicians are concerned about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the climate are essentially all in Western Europe, North America and Australasia. That explains why, whereas since 2000 the West has reduced its emissions from 11 billion tonnes p.a. to 9 billion today, the rest of the world has increased its from 15 billion tonnes to 29 billion. Unfortunately the leaders of most non-Western countries are either unconcerned about tackling climate change or don’t regard the issue as a priority, focusing instead for example on economic growth and poverty eradication. Yet these countries, comprising 84 percent of humanity and all its poorest people, are today the source of 75 percent of emissions.[1]
A 300MW coal power plant in Gwadar, Pakistan, as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. Photo courtesy of The News.
Climate scientists say that, if humanity is to avoid potential catastrophe, global emissions must be cut urgently and substantially. If that’s correct, the position of non-Western countries must be completely reversed, starting now. Unless that happens, it’s pointless for the West (the source of only 25% of global emissions) to embark on a hugely expensive unilateral ‘Race to Net Zero’.
I suggest therefore that it should be a key priority for OxCAN members to consider how non-Western countries might be persuaded to join the Race.