Chief Justice Surya Kant warns that climate demands burden emerging economies
Chief Justice Surya Kant told a Commonwealth gathering that it is inequitable for industrialised powers, after centuries of fossil use, to expect rapidly developing nations to switch to renewables within a short timeframe.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, the chief justice highlighted the long history of wealthy countries' reliance on carbon-intensive energy before urging a swift transition. He argued that nations currently building their industrial base face unfair criticism when they cannot meet accelerated renewable targets. Kant called for a balance between urgent climate action and the principle of shared responsibility among all members.
Why it matters
The comments highlight a clash between climate goals and the development needs of poorer nations.
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