How will underdeveloped countries suffer the consequences of environmental problems?
Written by: Fernando Cafe
The year was 1972. RIO-92 entered history as an environmental conference defining plans and projects for a more sustainable future through the combined use of technology, protection of natural resources, and social collaboration. However, it has emerged as a paradox of debate. Many wealthy countries have grown economically by leeching off the natural resources from developing countries. As a result, those countries that are not yet fully developed suffer the main consequences of the rising climate emergency. This scenario, in this sense, combines social, cultural, and environmental factors that make underdeveloped regions prone to severe issues involving problems such as food insecurity to basic sanitation conditions. Hence, in countries with poor infrastructure conditions, this reality is unavoidable, further exacerbating inequality and diminishing human dignity. According to data from the National Institute for Space Research at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), at least 42% of the world's population already suffers from the consequences of climate change.
In addition to these factors, the increase in temperatures, the emergence of cyclones, flooding, and other problems cause conflicts and mass migrations of many populations. Due to its growing severity, it continues to pose dangers to other regions and has destabilized countries that do not have the economic power of reconstruction and infrastructure. An example of this is Haiti, which in 2010 suffered severe earthquakes and is trying to reorganize its economy and social assistance.
Haiti 2010: Credit: Reginald Louissaint, Jr. Getty Images
Thus, creating an integrated international network of aid for preparing for such disasters becomes necessary for the possibility of a more sustainable and humane reality —especially for countries that "have contributed little to this global threat."