Accountability is Imperative to Keeping the Vision of 1.5°C Alive

Abstract

This commentary by a youth leader from Pakistan discusses how the Global South has disproportionately received the worst impacts of climate change and how, if not stemmed, the effects of climate change will lead to destruction that will render the earth uninhabitable. As warned by climate scientists, global emissions must be drastically reduced to ensure the earth does not heat up beyond 1.5°C. Discrepancies between the abilities of the Global North and Global South to combat and cope with the climate crisis need to be accounted for when international bodies decide on the best strategies to halt the catastrophic impacts of the climate breakdown. The commentary also discusses the historical roots of climate change in colonialism, and voices the youth’s demand for climate justice and climate action.