https://www.scmp.com/rss/513887/feed Rizwan Basir, a sociologist, works as a Senior Technical Specialist at Climate Resourcing and Coordination Center (CRCC) based in Islamabad, Pakistan. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com This year has been tough for corporate sustainability, especially in the United States. Despite some promising developments, the journey towards a fairer and more sustainable world has grown more challenging. After decades of sustainability awareness, some companies are openly stepping back from social and climate commitments. The challenges are immense. Climate change, biodiversity loss and inequality are accelerating. In 2024, we witnessed the hottest day ever recorded, a staggering 73 per... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3292367/after-mixed-bag-climate-action-2024-businesses-must-take-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3292367/after-mixed-bag-climate-action-2024-businesses-must-take-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Dec 2024 21:30:08 +0000 Over the years, countless environmentalists have focused on persuading the public to acknowledge the urgency of climate change through data and science. But to establish a genuine connection with people around the world – whose actions wield the greatest influence in combating climate change – it’s crucial to grasp what truly matters to them. More than ever, the climate community should shift its focus towards empathy, addressing the immediate and essential day-to-day needs of individuals. Let’s... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3256680/how-change-minds-people-too-busy-care-about-climate-change?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3256680/how-change-minds-people-too-busy-care-about-climate-change?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:30:11 +0000 The inherent injustice of climate change lies in the disproportionate impact it has on the most vulnerable populations, those who contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions. While the consequences of rising temperatures unfold globally, the harsh reality is that those who burned the most fossil fuels have amassed enough wealth to shield themselves from the worst effects. Between factors such as rising sea levels and increased temperatures, climate change will make certain regions of the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3252829/climate-change-goals-its-only-fair-cut-developing-nations-some-slack?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3252829/climate-change-goals-its-only-fair-cut-developing-nations-some-slack?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Feb 2024 01:30:16 +0000 In a world of escalating emissions and rampant natural disaster, cynicism and reproach hold sway in our climate conversations. But amid setbacks, there’s much to celebrate. The change-makers deserve recognition: the influence of climate activists, leaders and the younger generation has been monumental – and unthinkable not long ago. At the start of 2024, let us acknowledge our climate victories so they may fortify us in overcoming the suffering that persists, and harness the momentum... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3247167/pat-our-backs-precious-climate-change-victories-2023?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3247167/pat-our-backs-precious-climate-change-victories-2023?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jan 2024 21:30:22 +0000 Efforts to finance just and equitable climate action have long been ensnared in a web of mistrust and discord. Now, expanding turmoil in the Middle East threatens to strain the fractured global economy further. The result? Financial resources that could be directed towards mitigating climate change are instead being funnelled into the machinery of war and aid for those affected by it. This complex landscape sets the stage for the Cop28 UN climate change conference in the United Arab Emirates, a... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3243382/cop28-war-climate-change-must-transcend-all-other-conflicts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3243382/cop28-war-climate-change-must-transcend-all-other-conflicts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Dec 2023 21:30:09 +0000 The working class must be wary of how rich nations sculpt the narrative around a “just transition” during the COP28 UN climate summit. While grand declarations of climate justice will echo, a grim reality will linger in the shadows of the negotiation rooms – one of mounting joblessness, worker exploitation and back-breaking inflation. The core assertion of nations touting a just transition is that it is possible to have an energy shift that improves the position of the working class. This,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3236677/cop28-protect-workers-livelihoods-any-green-energy-transition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3236677/cop28-protect-workers-livelihoods-any-green-energy-transition?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Oct 2023 01:30:15 +0000 I write from Pakistan, a country plunged into multiple crises by last year’s floods, which ruthlessly claimed lives, displaced millions, destabilised our political landscape, and brought us dangerously close to economic default. Despite Pakistan’s minimal contributions to global emissions, the country remains unfairly susceptible to the impact of climate change. Climate justice is an alien concept to us. I harbour no desire to see the developed world continue to grow at the expense of countries... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3230363/degrowth-climate-justice-cannot-come-sole-cost-rich-nations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3230363/degrowth-climate-justice-cannot-come-sole-cost-rich-nations?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:00:08 +0000 Following the devastating floods that wreaked havoc in Pakistan only last year, Bangladesh and Myanmar have now been battered by Cyclone Mocha, one of the most severe cyclones to strike South Asia this century. The cyclone – equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane – has resulted in 29 deaths according to some reports, and caused significant damage to Sittwe, the capital of Myanmar’s western Rakhine state. South Asia has long faced the dire threat of climate catastrophes. Yet, most of its urban and... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3220683/climate-action-india-and-china-should-do-better-their-neighbours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3220683/climate-action-india-and-china-should-do-better-their-neighbours?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 May 2023 20:00:11 +0000 Oil executives and polluters must no longer be part of climate summits, let alone be “placed on a leadership pedestal”. That demand came from four UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) constituencies and 425 organisations representing millions of people across the globe, on January 26. It’s fair to say the involvement of Big Oil has historically led to the corruption and weakening of climate policies. But to turf out the industry altogether is also to free it from responsibility,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3209504/cop28-ostracising-big-oil-and-polluters-wont-deliver-action-climate-change?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3209504/cop28-ostracising-big-oil-and-polluters-wont-deliver-action-climate-change?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Feb 2023 07:30:14 +0000 Last month, China and Saudi Arabia – two of the world’s largest carbon emitters – laid down the weakest of green foundations to a partnership otherwise inundated with red flags for the climate. Years of deepening ties between the world’s largest importer and exporter of oil culminated in a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Riyadh last month, where several agreements spawned a “new era” in China-Arab partnership. In effect, the epoch is poised to maintain the stability of oil flows between... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3205352/china-saudi-energy-research-cold-comfort-poor-nations-seeking-climate-justice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3205352/china-saudi-energy-research-cold-comfort-poor-nations-seeking-climate-justice?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:00:10 +0000 Dubbed a “necessary evil” move, Germany plans to reactivate its network of 21 coal-powered plants to escape Russian President Vladimir Putin’s energy chokehold. Germany needs warmth for the winter, and the energy shortfall has forced the state to produce this heat at the expense of the planet. France, Italy, Austria and the Netherlands have announced similar plans under the same rationale. The climate will change, the vulnerable must suffer, but what else must rich states facing the energy... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3195730/cop27-rich-nations-must-take-responsibility-and-pay-climate-damage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3195730/cop27-rich-nations-must-take-responsibility-and-pay-climate-damage?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Oct 2022 10:30:11 +0000