:: 외국인 1:1 Free Talking ::

What’s This About?

Where the responsibility for the climate crisis lies between developed and developing countries is a controversial question that policymakers and industry and civil society leaders have raised frequently in global climate talks. With both categories of countries contributing to and affected by climate change, the debate has generated all kinds of answers. The two panelists will now present their arguments on this crucial issue.

Constructive

Pro Finn

I firmly maintain that the primary responsibility for the climate crisis lies with developed countries. Historically, these nations have been the main contributors of greenhouse gases with their unchecked industrialization and economic advancement. Over the centuries, the emissions from their factories, transportation, and energy sectors have driven global warming and ecological destruction. As they have enjoyed economic prosperity for decades at the expense of the environment, they are morally obligated to take the brunt of responsibility for addressing this crisis, leading the way in reducing emissions and transitioning to sustainable practices. Furthermore, developed nations typically set an example for many less developed countries, setting limits and pathways to development. What kind of precedent would it make if these powerful countries did not take responsibility for their environmental impact?

Con Alice

Developing nations may be the least to blame for the greenhouse gases that stoke global warming, but we cannot absolve these countries of responsibility. Many of the developed countries and the Industrial Revolution are indeed largely to blame for the current state of our Earth’s climate. However, developing countries are swiftly catching up in terms of the environmental damage they now inflict. The landscape is shifting, and placing the blame solely on the developed nations overlooks the impact of others on the planet. Developing countries often prioritize economic development and poverty alleviation, which involve immense energy consumption and emissions. These countries argue that as developed countries have had the opportunity to develop their economies without environmental constraints, they should get the chance to take similar unhindered paths to prosperity.

Rebuttal

Pro Finn
While it’s true that developing countries are increasing their emissions, we cannot ignore the advantages developed countries have in comparison to their less developed counterparts. These powerful countries have substantial financial resources, technological capabilities, and infrastructure to draw from, placing them in a better position to invest in renewable energy, climate adaptation measures, and sustainable development projects. As the privileged parties, developed countries have a moral obligation to commit themselves to climate action and provide financial support to developing countries so they may also adapt. And that’s not getting into the climate pledges that remain unfulfilled. Furthermore, as developed nations hold significant economic influence globally, they can, by leading the transition to a low-carbon economy, drive market trends, investments, and policy changes that catalyze global efforts to combat climate change.

Con Alice

While I understand the developing countries’ difficult position, we no longer have the time to give concessions. We are already almost past the brink of no return, with global warming exceeding temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius for 12 months for the first time on record. The climate crisis is not something we can resolve through the developed countries’ resources and technological capacity alone. As we all share the same planet, the world cannot truly heal if other countries continue to contribute to global emissions and pollution. Developed and developing countries must take action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. In particular, developing countries, as the most vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme weather events, should take charge to save themselves.

Judge’s Comments

That concludes today’s debate. Those were some intriguing arguments presented by the debaters. However, addressing the climate crisis requires shared responsibilities and cooperation among all countries, regardless of their classification as developed or developing. What do you think about this issue?