In 2024, it is evident that rich countries are the biggest polluters on the planet. Poor countries, on the other hand, bear the brunt of this phenomenon, leading to land drought, food shortages, and increased adverse effects of climate variability.
Indeed, Ursula Von Der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, stated that: “Large economies have a special duty towards the least developed and most vulnerable countries.”
This moral duty represents a sort of green debt aimed at addressing the climate crisis as quickly as possible. Rich countries can thus offer assistance in natural disasters, train and raise awareness among local farmers, and support the environmental policies of climate institutions. Leaders can participate in financing the energy transition of poor countries while promoting healthier agriculture. Therefore, cooperation is more than necessary for both parties involved.