Climate Justice: Who Will Pay the Price? Op-ed

As the impacts of climate change escalate globally, a crucial question demands attention: Who is responsible, and who should pay the price?

Industrialized nations, which have built their modern prosperity on decades of burning coal, oil, and gas, bear the greatest responsibility for accumulated carbon emissions. In contrast, many developing nations — which have contributed very little — are suffering the harshest consequences in the form of drought, desertification, and extreme weather events.

This is where the concept of climate justice becomes essential. It calls for wealthier countries to accept historical responsibility — not only by reducing their emissions but also by financially and technologically supporting developing nations as they adapt to climate change and transition to clean energy.

COP30 must become a turning point for activating real climate finance mechanisms and ensuring that no community is left behind. This is a global crisis, and no country will be safe unless we act together.