Developing countries hold their polluting neighbors to the north accountable at COP27

Developing countries demand that the richest polluters pay for the damage caused by their emissions. In their five-minute speeches, many leaders called on their neighbors in the Northern Hemisphere to pay for the losses and damages caused to their countries by climate change, especially in the Southern Hemisphere.

One such leader was Kenyan President William Ruto: “Africa contributes less than 3% of the pollution responsible for climate change, but it bears the brunt of the resulting crisis in Africa. Therefore, it is correct and appropriate that this conference should take the necessary steps to become familiar with the special needs and conditions of Africa.”

Mia Amore Motley, Prime Minister of Barbados, whose country is increasingly affected by extreme weather events, was one of many leaders who criticized industrialized nations for their failures in the developing world.

Motley also noted a lack of assistance from the North to contribute to the transition to renewable energy: “Our ability to access electric vehicles, batteries, or photovoltaic panels is restricted by countries that have a dominant presence and can produce themselves. But the South remains at the mercy of the North on these issues.”

Previously rich countries pledged $100 billion annually starting in 2020 to developing countries to help them build resilience and maintain their green economies.but so far only $83.000 million has been reached.