All nations have a responsibility to strive for lifestyles that are sustainable
Although climate change has been brought about largely by development in industrialized rich nations, it will impose the most hardship on the poorest countries. In the first article of this two-part series, Ambassador Chandrashekhar Dasgupta of India argues that accelerated social and economic development may offer the only hope for poor nations who have a long way to go in adapting to climate change. But developed countries pressure poor ones to curb greenhouse gas emissions now, even if it means an abrupt slowdown in their economic development. Slowing development for the poorest countries will decrease their ability to adapt to the challenge and increase their vulnerability. For the poor nations, accelerated development will lead to sustainable development. Any further agreements regarding climate change should conform to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its principle of equity. Problems associated with climate change can’t be resolved without cooperation from all nations along with fair policies based on both past and future behavior. As weather patterns change, those who pursue unsustainable lifestyles today must know that they contribute to the suffering of millions tomorrow.
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