Would a Global Environmental Organization benefit Southern Nations?

Would a Global Environmental Organization benefit Southern Nations?

Renee Kelly

            The overall idea of creating a Global Environmental Organization is a powerful one, which will hopefully lead to the success of future environmental policies/treaties. A GEO would serve to address global-scale pollution and climate change. As global warming and trans-boundary pollution is becoming an ever popular problem around the world, it is important to note that there is no fix unless all nations can agree to do their part.  A GEO would create a sanctuary for all States to meet, discuss and implement plans that account for all nations. Although the purpose of a GEO would be to promote better environmental practices between developed and developing nations, it would also be a means for economic stability and reduce friction between the North-South divide.  Previous attempts of creating treaties/policies, such as the Kyoto Protocol, were unsuccessful in getting many nations to ratify and implement its policies. This is a perfect example of a treaty which could have benefited from a Global Environmental Organization. A GEO would push for combined efforts and increased ratifications of treaties in order for treaties, such as Kyoto, to become successful in accomplishing their designated goals.

            The GEO would consist of the developed North as well as the developing Southern nations. One of the current problems with the Southern nations though, is the divide between ideals on environmental issues as well as future plans for economic development. Najam discusses the view of the Southern nations in regards to global environmental politics. Najam notes that one of the biggest issues amongst these countries which seem to promote environmentalism is their, “apparent fractures and frictions in the collective.” These fractures and frictions tend to be formed due to Southern nation’s personal interests. The South however has shown a collective interest in promoting a new international environmental order and promoting sustainable development. The creation, therefore, of a Global Environmental Organization could be the start to the international order that the South is looking for.

            There is skepticism, as with the creation of any global organization though. As mentioned, Southern States suffer from self-interest getting in the way of environmental cooperation. These Southern States are striving to become developed and/or simply keep their nations safe, healthy, fed and growing. Skeptics of creating a GEO, might further push the fact that Southern nations have been known to act in their own self interest, especially when it involves monetary issues. Southern nations, known as developing or third world countries, need any and all financial assistance they can get. A GEO would be a good way to allocate funding to these nations so they can grow in a sustainable way, but skeptics may not have faith that the funds provided will strictly go towards sustainable development, as noted that some Southern nations have other priorities. Najam points out that, “many developing countries perceived environmental concerns… as an effort to sabotage the South’s developmental aspirations.” One might fear that a GEO would only further disturb tensions on economics and cause the South to then disagree to terms of the organization in fear of being held back developmentally. 

            Regardless of skepticism revolving a GEO, the benefits for the South seem to rise above any negative expectations. First, Southern leaders have consistently been on board with goals towards sustainable development. A GEO would allow for the less economically stable nations, as Najam puts it, “to modify global economic relations in such a way that the South obtains the required resources, technology, and access to markets which would enable it to pursue a development process that is both environmentally sound and rapid enough to meet its needs and aspirations.” This may seem as a one sided success in regards to the North-South divide, but this would then allow for the resources of Southern origin to make their way into the markets faster, which would promote global prosperity and development all around. A successful creation of a GEO would allow nations who want to develop, to do so in a manner that is both rapid and sustainable. Historically, developed nations have been blamed for the current global environmental problems, but the GEO would also allow for discussion on how to allocate funding and resources in a way that is fair to all. 

            The main problems with environmental treaties not working out are failed collective action, fragmentation, deficient authority in terms of being unable to influence policies or other States, and insufficient legitimacy. Programs such as UNEP, have been set up as “theoretical” global environmental programs in the past, but in fact they lack the authority, tools, budget and support to accomplish any of their goals and cannot be considered true global efforts.  A GEO would be the most effective way to engage all nations in an authoritative, cooperative manner, where all voices can be heard equally. The South, although trying to pick up the pace in terms of development, needs a steady support system if they hope to sustainably develop without it being too costly or harmful to the environment..