Globalization and Environmental Injustice: Understanding the Disparity in Pollution Burdens

Image Credit: Foreign Policy

“In 2021, the average North American emitted 11 times more energy-related CO2 than the average African. Yet variations across income groups are even more significant. The top 1% of emitters globally each had carbon footprints of over 50 tonnes of CO2 in 2021, more than 1 000 times greater than those of the bottom 1% of emitters.” 

In the realm of environmental discourse, the concept of per capita emissions often serves as a crucial metric for assessing a nation's contribution to global pollution. However, this metric fails to capture the nuanced dynamics of environmental responsibility, particularly when it comes to the disproportionate burden borne by countries in the Global South. In this blog post, we delve into the interplay between globalization, per capita emission rates, and pollution burdens, with a focus on India as a primary example.

Introduction

India, like many other countries in the Global South, exhibits a paradoxical scenario: despite its relatively low per capita emission rates compared to nations in the Global North, it faces a significant burden of pollution. On the surface, this incongruity may seem perplexing, but a deeper examination unveils the complex web of factors contributing to this disparity.

Per Capita Emission Rates vs. Pollution Burdens

At first glance, per capita emission rates appear to provide a straightforward measure of a nation’s environmental impact. Countries with higher emissions per person are often deemed the primary contributors to global pollution. However, this simplistic view overlooks the systemic inequalities inherent in the global economy.

In the case of India, while the average individual’s carbon footprint may be comparatively low, the country's sheer population size amplifies the cumulative emissions. Moreover, India's rapid industrialization and urbanization, fuelled in part by globalization, have led to a surge in pollution levels, particularly in densely populated urban centres.

The Role of Globalization

One of the most important factors that has contributed to the transformation of the global industrial landscape is globalisation, which has brought about the promise of economic growth and prosperity. Because of the inequalities in labour prices and environmental restrictions that exist between the Global North and the Global South, multinational firms frequently take advantage of these differences in order to maximise their profits. It is for this reason that companies choose to establish their operations, which include manufacturing facilities and ancillary facilities, in countries such as India, where environmental regulations may be more relaxed, and labour may be more affordable. 

The pollution haven hypothesis, or pollution haven effect, is the idea that polluting industries will relocate to jurisdictions with less stringent environmental regulations. Empirical studies of the phenomenon have been hampered by the difficulty of measuring regulatory stringency and by the fact that stringency and pollution are determined simultaneously. Early studies based on cross-sections of data found no significant effect of regulations on industry locations. The term refers to the phenomenon that occurs when businesses move their production processes to locations that have less stringent environmental restrictions. This creates a situation in which pollution is essentially offshore to regions in the Global South. Not only does this contribute to the perpetuation of environmental injustice, but it also works to worsen the socioeconomic imbalances that already exist within these countries.

Environmental Injustice Unveiled

This influx of industries, driven by globalization, leads to a transfer of pollution from the Global North to the Global South. While corporations headquartered in the Global North may boast reduced emissions within their borders, the environmental costs are merely shifted to regions like India, where communities bear the brunt of pollution-related health issues, ecological degradation, and socio-economic challenges.

Communities living in proximity to industrial zones often face disproportionate exposure to pollutants, resulting in respiratory illnesses, water contamination, and adverse effects on agricultural productivity. Marginalized populations, including low-income households and indigenous communities, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of environmental degradation, further exacerbating social inequalities.

According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, despite having the lowest levels of industrial pollution, the impoverished nations are the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The effects of climate change, then, are not globally uniform. Empirical data suggests that the preexisting disparity encountered by nations situated in the Global South places them in a precarious position, rendering them especially susceptible to the repercussions of climate change. Climate change exacerbates pre-existing global disparities, thus compromising endeavours to alleviate poverty. According to a report by the World Bank, the ecological crisis could impoverish as many as 135 million individuals by 2030.Climate change worsens domestic inequality by disproportionately impacting the poorest populations, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), as well as women and children, when considering the nation as a whole. Despite the fact that small-scale farmers in rural economic regions contribute as much as 75% of the food production in some developing nations, they face challenges from floods, droughts, and other natural disasters. These highly susceptible populations face the daily repercussions of climate warming.

On the other hand, the people who are most often involved in safeguarding natural ecosystems are at risk, namely disadvantaged groups like tribals and other indigenous environmental defenders. These populations face severe acts of violence for protecting their homes and the earth, in addition to experiencing the most immediate adverse effects of climate change and global warming. Global Witness reported that a total of 227 individuals who were advocating for the environment and land protection were killed in the Global South during the year 2020.

Communities leading the way in addressing climate change should play a central role in the worldwide fight against global warming and be granted greater opportunities to voice their perspectives, rather than being disproportionately affected by its consequences. Therefore, in order to reduce global inequalities, it is crucial that stakeholders from developing countries are actively involved in the creation of global action plans and partnerships, with a specific focus on issues related to climate change. Hence, individuals living in developed countries must actively promote the enhanced inclusion of participants from developing countries. Regrettably, the perspectives and opinions of the countries in the Global South are consistently disregarded. A recent study emphasises the challenges faced by Global South scientists in getting research published. Without a range of opinions, important viewpoints are missing. Moreover, communities of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) living in the countries of the Global South have unique ancestral knowledge and practical expertise regarding nature and methods for peacefully coexisting with it. Incorporating such perspectives has the capacity to greatly enhance existing information on climate change and shape policy development. 

The Way Forward: Addressing Environmental Injustice

Addressing the environmental injustices perpetuated by globalization requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, there is a pressing need for increased corporate accountability, with corporations being held responsible for the environmental impacts of their global operations. This entails stringent regulations, transparent reporting mechanisms, and meaningful engagement with local communities.

Moreover, international cooperation is essential in crafting equitable solutions to global environmental challenges. Initiatives aimed at promoting technology transfer, capacity-building, and sustainable development in the Global South can help mitigate the adverse effects of globalization on the environment.

Investments in clean technologies, renewable energy, and green infrastructure are imperative to transition towards a low-carbon economy and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, empowering local communities through education, advocacy, and participatory decision-making processes can enhance resilience and foster sustainable development practices.

[This article has been authored by Aadya, a third-year law student at JGLS.]