Ahead of the World Earth Day celebration on April 22, the question on the lips of so many is whether the West is paying lip services to global warming.
Many of my countrymen and women are becoming aware of global warming, its effects and possible ways of reducing the impacts.
WHAT IS GLOBAL WARMING?
Global warming is the progressive rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and seas.
This phenomenon is mainly brought on by human activity, specifically the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
THE HYPOCRISY OF THE WEST ON GLOBAL WARMING IN FOCUS
Many people and governments in the West continue to act hypocritically, undermining attempts to solve the issue despite the overwhelming scientific evidence for global warming and its harmful effects.
During one of the last pre-election media parleys, this fact was brought into focus by the current President-Elect of Nigeria, Senator Bola Tinubu.
An interview infamously remembered as that of “the church rats and the poisoned holy communion”.
THE UNITED STATES’ ROLE IN THE HYPOCRISY
The United States’ departure from the Paris Agreement is one of the West’s most egregious instances of hypocrisy on global warming.
One hundred ninety-six nations committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels in 2015 with the signing of the Paris Agreement.
The United States, one of the top emitters of greenhouse gases globally, withdrew from the deal in 2017 at the direction of former President Donald Trump, citing worries about the accord’s potential effects on American companies.
Other nations and environmentalists roundly condemned this action, viewing it as a flagrant disrespect for the seriousness of the global warming crisis.
The persistence of support for the fossil fuel sector illustrates Western hypocrisy towards global warming.
Big fossil fuel businesses in many Western nations, such as those in the United States, Canada, and Australia, considerably impact greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite this, these nations continue to support the sector with subsidies and other aid types, making it challenging for renewable energy sources to compete.
This action is especially troublesome because renewable energy is becoming more affordable and could be a suitable replacement for fossil fuels.
Many Western nations support the fossil fuel sector while simultaneously engaging in consumerism and wasteful behaviours that exacerbate global warming.
One of the most significant energy users in the world, for instance, is the United States, which consumes more energy per person than most other nations.
This situation is partly because of the American way of life, which prioritizes comfort and convenience frequently at the price of the environment.
Like many individuals in the West utilize throwaway items, many also drive gas guzzlers and leave lights and devices on when not in use.
WESTERN COUNTRIES NOT INVOLVED IN THE HYPOCRISY ON GLOBAL WARMING
It’s essential to remember that not all Western countries are equally to blame for contributing to global warming despite these examples of hypocrisy.
Some countries, like Sweden and Denmark, have made notable advancements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and converting to renewable energy sources.
These countries are typically the exception rather than the rule, and the West continues to act in hypocrisy and indifference toward the issue of global warming.
WHY IS THERE A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE ACTION OF THE WEST AND SCIENCE ON GLOBAL WARMING?
Is it pertinent to question the discrepancy between the West’s governments and people and the scientific facts of global warming?
One possible explanation is that people frequently think of global warming as a long-term issue that will affect people in other regions or future generations.
This view makes it simple for people to dismiss the problem or put their immediate financial interests ahead of long-term environmental concerns.
Another factor is that many in the West now see global warming more as a liberal problem than a scientific one since it has become politicized.
This stand has caused a division of viewpoints and resistance to acting on the issue, particularly among conservative lawmakers and people.
Whatever the reasons for Western hypocrisy on global warming, it is evident that resolving the issue is unlikely until there is a general change in attitudes and conduct.
It will take a coordinated effort by people, organizations, and institutions to put the environment ahead of short-term financial gains and to adopt sustainable behaviours that lower greenhouse gas emissions.
CONCLUSION
Tackling the issue and lessening its harmful effects are significantly hampered by the hypocrisy of the West on global warming.
Many people and governments in the West continue to act hypocritically, undermining attempts to tackle the problem despite the weight of the scientific evidence and the urgency of the situation.
It will take a change in mindset and conduct to solve this problem and a dedication to putting the environment ahead of immediate financial gain.