Drilled S14, Ep8 | Climate Obstruction in the Global South
Oct 29, 2025
In this discussion, Ruth E. McKie, an expert in climate politics from De Montfort University, teams up with M. Omar Faruque, a researcher focused on climate policy at Queen's University. They delve into how historical injustices and energy poverty shape climate commitments in the Global South. The conversation exposes how fossil fuel development is justified and critiqued, revealing the clash between development models and climate action. The guests advocate for local mobilization and legal strategies to combat climate obstruction, offering a glimmer of hope in grassroots efforts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Global South As A Geopolitical Category
- The Global South is defined geopolitically as countries shaped by colonialism, neo‑imperialism, and economic marginalization.
- That shared history shapes their climate positions and varied commitments to action.
Energy Poverty Drives Policy Choices
- Energy poverty and development priorities make mitigation a lower priority for many Global South countries.
- Governments often prioritize electrification and human development over rapid decarbonization.
Least Responsibility Shapes Priorities
- Invoking 'least responsibility' and climate justice often justifies delayed mitigation in Global South politics.
- That framing also redirects attention and funding toward adaptation and resilience rather than mitigation.