North-south relations, responsibilities, and agendas in Earth System Governance: Have these changed in the Anthropocene?

On the G77's 60th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Declaration for a New International Economic Order, this paper explores the enduring complexities of North-South relations in development and climate governance. We ask: What is the continuing relevance of the North-South narrative i...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Augusto Heras, Joyeeta Gupta
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-04-01
Series:Earth System Governance
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589811625000175
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Summary:On the G77's 60th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Declaration for a New International Economic Order, this paper explores the enduring complexities of North-South relations in development and climate governance. We ask: What is the continuing relevance of the North-South narrative in Earth System Governance and climate change? Utilising North-South literature, this paper examines these relations and responsibilities, emphasising the need to decolonise ESG by challenging entrenched power structures in climate governance. The analysis concludes: (a) the North-South dynamic is a flexible dichotomy reflecting the dominance of powerful nations/actors over the less powerful; (b) recurring patterns of North-South behaviour in controlling forums, agendas, and decisions marginalise Southern perspectives; and (c) such imbalances result in failures to govern ecological and social problems, while the North risks losing control over them. Without a more just approach addressing the North-South dichotomy, we all risk losing a stable and predictable climate.
ISSN:2589-8116