In the Global South, climate change is not merely an environmental crisis but a major human rights issue. This region experiences the most severe consequences of climate change, from rising sea levels in Bangladesh to extreme droughts throughout Africa. In global forums where climate change policies are shaped, the voices of these nations remain unheard and their concerns are disregarded. This setting is the reflection of the colonial legacy where the decision-making authority remains concentrated in the historically privileged nations. Most often the Northern agendas are served by international institutions like the Conference of Parties (COP), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. They consider the Global South as dependent rather than equal stakeholders. This piece examines the structural constraints that hinder the Global South from properly participating in global climate forums, arguing that climate action will be incomplete and unjust without adequate resources, representation, and restorative justice.

The adverse effect of climate change significantly undermines the right to life, food, water, health, shelter, and education, which are recognized in international human rights instruments such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Nations in the Global South are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

According to The Climate Reality Project, by 2050, 11% of the land of Bangladesh will be lost, and approximately 18 million people will be at risk of migration due to the sole reason of sea-level rise. Despite producing merely 0.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions (2022 data), Bangladesh stands in the 9th position on the World Risk Index in 2024. Moreover, it is alarming that Bangladesh, despite its struggling economy, has incurred losses amounting to $3.72 billion as a result of the detrimental effects of climate change.

India suffers frequent heatwaves, unpredictable monsoons, and droughts that endanger agricultural and water security, particularly in areas such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan. In Africa, prolonged droughts in Ethiopia and Somalia caused food insecurity and increased famine threats. Mozambique and Malawi are frequently hit by cyclones that result in flooding and severe damage.

Despite experiencing the severe impacts of climate change, countries in the Global South encounter substantial challenges in shaping international climate policy. In the international policy dialogues, wealthy countries from the Global North hold a disproportionate influence and power over decision-making. These nations lead forums such as COP, the World Bank, and the IMF.

Even though these nations are the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, they control the agenda in climate talks and frequently put their own economic interests ahead of the needs of the Global South. At COP, Northern nations advocate for market-oriented solutions, such as carbon trading and offset programs, which boost their economies while providing underdeveloped countries with minimal funds and inefficient remedies.

The World Bank and IMF play key roles by providing loans and finance for climate programs, frequently imposing terms & conditions that compromise the sovereignty of vulnerable nations, thereby trapping them in a cycle of debt and dependency. The absence of equitable representation in these institutions exacerbates the power imbalance, frequently marginalizing developing countries in major decision-making processes. Although these Northern-led frameworks are promoted as advancements in climate action; they inadequately address the historical and persistent inequities experienced by the Global South, which disproportionately suffers from a catastrophe it contributed less to creating.

To fix the power disparity in international climate forums, decision-making entities such as COP, the World Bank, and the IMF must guarantee equitable representation for the Global South. Wealthier countries, which are responsible for the majority of emissions, should acknowledge their climate debt and pay financial reparations in the form of grants and technology transfers. Climate finance must prioritize grants rather than loans to avoid further debt traps. It is vital to hold Northern countries accountable for their historical emissions and climate commitments to ensure equitable global climate action. Only through legitimate fairness and collective responsibility can we aspire to build a climate future that benefits all nations, rather than merely the privileged few.