Climate change and the Dichotomy between Developed and Developing nations

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change defined climate change  as a change that is distributed directly or indirectly to human activity, altering the composition of the global atmosphere.

Contribution by countries –

Developed countries consume higher rates of energy and this is a major cause of global greenhouse gases. Developed nations utilize more energy in their industrial activities that

is also higher than developing nations. They are responsible for 50 percent of all the planet- warming greenhouse gases released from industries, but only contribute 12% of the global population

The dependence on agro-economy, use of fossil fuels and industrial activities by developing countries have also made huge contributions to increased levels of greenhouse gases that have escalated global warming and contributed to climate. Depending on future emissions of

The dependence on agro-economy, use of fossil fuels and industrial activities by developing countries have also made huge contributions to increased levels of greenhouse gases, global temperatures are likely to rise between 2 and 4 Climate change is a global issue with potential impacts for every country. However, the relative impact of these events will be far different in the developed and developing countries.

Impacts on developed countries-USA –

1. Decreasing snowpack in the western
2. Increasing temperature would make it harder for people to live and work due to heat
3. Increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods, can increase losses to property, cause costly disruptions to society, and reduce the affordability of
4. Of all the impacts on a developed country like the USA, it is most likely to lose just upto 4% of its annual GDP at maximum

Impacts on developing countries-India –

1. India is already experiencing a warming climate. Unusual and unprecedented spells of hot weather are expected to occur far more frequently and cover much larger
2. Frequency of heat waves in India is increasing due to climate
3. Climate Change in India will have a disproportionate impact on the more than 400 million that make up India’s
4. New reports state that India may lose 3-10% of its annual GDP due to climate change and poverty may increase by upto 5%.

Climate change aggravates the effects of population growth, poverty, and rapid urbanisation. Without serious adaptation, climate change is likely to push millions further into poverty and limit the opportunities for sustainable development and for people to escape from poverty.

Planning for climate change in developing countries is complicated by:

1. the lack of existing infrastructure
2. the widespread changes that are predicted due to climate change

Hence, climate change is more likely to have a harsher impact on developing countries than developed countries, in terms of damage to property, economy and health of people.

Abhrangshu Chakraborty

Student of Class X  B