The narrative of climate change isn’t a new one. For decades, scientists have been sounding the alarm about the dire consequences of human actions on our planet. Yet, for many in the global south, the repercussions of these changes are not distant possibilities but a tangible, daily ordeal. In understanding the historical trajectory of climate change and its present implications, we must centre those most vulnerable – the economically disadvantaged and the disabled.
Historical Trajectory: From Warning to Reality
The global south, comprised of Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania countries, has historically been the playground for industrial nations. Colonization left behind not just socio-political scars but also environmental ones. As these countries began their development journey, the world was waking up to the reality of climate change.
In the late 20th century, as the West grappled with the environmental impact of its industrialization, nations of the global south were beginning to tread that path. With limited resources, they often turned to more accessible energy sources, such as coal. Yet, ironically, even as they contributed far less to global emissions than their Western counterparts, they began feeling the brunt of the climate crisis much earlier and much more intensely.
The Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Communities
It’s a cruel irony that the most vulnerable – those with the slightest hand in causing climate change – face its harshest consequences. The slums of Mumbai, the coastal villages of Bangladesh, and the farming communities in Sub-Saharan Africa tell tales of a world where the climate crisis isn’t a debate but a lived reality.
Take the case of Amara, a fisherwoman from a coastal town in Mozambique. Rising sea levels, likely due to melting ice caps and warming ocean temperatures, have been eating away at her homeland. The saline waters seep into freshwater sources and render the soil infertile, threatening her livelihood. For Amara, who also lives with a hearing disability, the challenges are two-fold. Her disability makes her less equipped to deal with the sudden changes in her environment, and the lack of inclusive planning means she has limited avenues for support.
Kavita’s Tale: A Glimpse into Millions of Lives
Kavita’s story, as introduced earlier, is not an isolated one. Her struggles navigating the smog-filled lanes of Delhi are reminiscent of the ordeals of countless others. Like many others, she symbolises the unintended consequences of rapid, unsustainable development without forethought. While Kavita grapples with the toxic air of Delhi, Amara fights the encroaching seas. Different stories, the same underlying crisis.
Bringing the Numbers to Life
It’s easy to get lost in the overwhelming statistics of climate change – rising temperatures, decreasing crop yields, and escalating natural disasters. But behind each number are a Kavita, an Amara, and millions of others. Humanizing these figures is essential to understanding that each data point reflects a life, a struggle, and a story.
In understanding the historical trajectory of climate change in the global south, one thing becomes evident – the need to recognize the lived experiences of the vulnerable. Only by centring their narratives can we hope to chart a path forward that is both sustainable and just. The story of climate change isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about ensuring a dignified life for its inhabitants.