S2 | Ep4: What Can the UN Actually Do About Climate?
May 12, 2022
auto_awesome
This episode of 'Damages' explores the lack of progress in achieving compensation for climate change damages caused by fossil fuels. It discusses the impacts of super typhoons and calls for assistance from rich countries. The history of rich countries reneging on their commitment to provide climate funds is explored, as well as the role of fossil fuel lobbyists in denying climate science. The podcast also delves into tactics employed at UN climate negotiations, the historical context of colonialism and fossil fuels, and the inadequate response to climate change.
The failure to address damages adequately has led some countries to consider turning to the International Court of Justice.
Lobbying efforts by the fossil fuel industry have successfully obstructed climate action for over three decades.
Deep dives
Failure of UN Climate Negotiations to Address Damages and Loss
Despite nearly three decades of UN climate negotiations, the issue of damages caused by fossil fuels remains unresolved. Initial discussions around compensation and liability have been erased, and the term 'loss and damage' is now controversial. Island states like Vanuatu have been demanding payment for the damage caused by climate change, backed by evidence from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). These countries are experiencing economic costs greater than their annual incomes due to climate-induced disasters. The creation of a loss and damage fund has seen limited progress, with much of the money being in the form of loans, exacerbating countries' existing debt burdens. The failure to address damages adequately has led some countries to consider turning to the International Court of Justice.
Fossil Fuel Industry Lobbying to Undermine Climate Action
Lobbying efforts by the fossil fuel industry have attempted to undermine climate action since the first Earth Summit in 1992. Industry delegates have employed tactics such as denying the science behind climate change and promoting the supposed benefits of increased CO2 levels. The Global Climate Coalition (GCC), an industry lobby group, aimed to delay climate action and cast doubt on climate science. Their strategies centered on emphasizing economics, sovereignty, and framing climate action as a threat to the American way of life. Despite the scientific consensus, their obstructionist tactics have been successful for over three decades.
Climate Change as a Product of Colonialism and Economic Inequality
Climate change is not just an environmental crisis but also a product of colonialism and economic inequality. Colonial ventures and the fossil fuel era have caused significant economic extraction and wealth transfer away from developing countries and indigenous communities. The economic costs of loss and damage from climate change are disproportionately impacting these communities, exceeding the GDP of the world's 80 poorest countries. Acknowledgement of colonialism's role in climate change has been included in recent IPCC reports, adding weight to the argument for compensation and redress. The need to address historical and ongoing injustices is vital in climate change discussions.
Compensation for climate change has been a hot topic at the UN since the early 90s. For countries already experiencing what the UN calls loss and damage the main goal has always been to prevent more damage. But fossil fuel lobbyists had different ideas. Now a new IPCC report gives evidence that could influence what happens at the UN and in court cases around the world.
