Chapter 3: Decolonising Global Climate Policy Vis-á-Vis an Urgency-cum-Justice Approach: Towards Epistemic Pluriversity in Climate Governance

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the global community today. While many countries are committed to reducing their carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, its impact remains unequally distributed across the world. The Global South, particularly, is most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, though contributing the least to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when compared to the Global North. We are, therefore, passing through a critical phase of human history where the whole scientific community is in search of an inclusive, equitable, and just climate policy.

At this juncture, a critical action is not likely to take urgent decisions to combat climate change, rather to take ‘right and just’ decision to neutralise the wrath of it. Thereby, decolonising climate policy seeks to promote a more equitable and just approach to climate action that prioritises the needs and interests of the 85 percent population of the world who lives in the Global South, including the need for sustainable and inclusive energy systems. It (de-)constructs the dominant narratives and power structures that have shaped global environmental governance. As the world races towards achieving net-zero emissions, it’s important to remember that climate policy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The Global South faces unique challenges when it comes to decarbonising their economies and transitioning to renewable energy sources (Röhrkasten, 2018; Sultana, 2022a).