A low-carbon economy will only succeed if it is equitable
In global production and consumption chains political economy of ethics and environmental sustainability must remain pivotal The UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2022 posits clearly that as growing climate change impacts are experienced across the globe, the message that greenhouse gas emissions must fall is unambiguous. The link between global net zero carbon emissions and addressing climate change is evident and it is also certain that the link itself must be even-handed, objective and ambitious. To achieve global net zero goals and garner the public support required for this, it is imperative in the long-term to view emissions within the larger context of global consumption and production patterns. Consumption and production patterns vary greatly based on the cultural, social, and economic factors. But both consumption and production ethics also vary due to beliefs, values and traditions. Some of these differences are marked by a complex interplay of factors: Social norms, customs and traditions that shape attitudes towards consumption and production. Certain cultures may place a higher value on saving and frugality, while others prioritise spending and indulgence Environmental factors including the availability of resources and the impact of environmental degradation on different cultures. Consumers from areas that experience frequent natural disasters may understand and thus prioritise sustainability and resource conservation more Existing economic systems: Countries with capitalist economies tend to prioritise consumerism and production for profit, while economies based on communal values are likely to prioritise shared value over profit Political ideologies: Societies that emphasise individualism may prioritise personal consumption and production, while societies that emphasise collectivism may prioritise more communal goods and services Regional and religious beliefs can also shape attitudes towards consumption and production. For example, some religions may promote asceticism and simplicity, while others may prioritise wealth and luxury In the formerly established trade flows and global economic chains, it is charged that dominant economic powers exploit smaller, less developed economies — often by extracting raw materials at low prices and exporting finished products back at higher prices. This may lead to the undermining of local economies and often leads to social and environmental degradation. To avoid this, local producers need to have access to fair markets and fair prices so that they can invest in alternative, environmentally friendly production methods. Across developed markets, the average individual consumer is often more aware of the impacts of their choice on the environment as well as the producer and is thus willing to pay premiums often associated with sustainably produced goods. In contrast, in former colonies and developing countries, often with limited access and large populations, consumer awareness and media attention on both offshore environmental issues and ethical concerns is often lower, while cost remains the primary factor driving consumption. It is often also asserted that developed countries (former colonisers) are in the process of trying to shift the burden of ethical production, in this century, to the developing countries (former colonies). In this, voluntary standards and certification schemes often get dismissed for being used as non-tariff trade barriers. These trade barriers put developing countries at income risk and more vulnerable to market access problems. While it is true that stringent measures impose market access restrictions and cause limitations on competitiveness, this is much more widely felt by the developing countries due to: Lack of infrastructure and monitoring facilities Limited technology choices Inadequate access to environment-friendly raw materials Information asymmetry Presence of small-scale exporters and Emergence of environmental standards in sectors of export interest to developing countries Small and medium sized enterprises (SME) thus become especially vulnerable. In global production and consumption chains political economy of ethics and environmental sustainability must remain pivotal. Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — talks about ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns globally. Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production are root causes of the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. These crises, and related environmental degradation, threaten human well-being and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. These patterns will remain central to sustain the lives and livelihoods of current and future generations. As this paradigm gradually shifts, a (re)-framing of standards needs to better facilitate dialogue and include developing nations in how sustainability and thus net-zero emissions, are to be achieved. Much of the developing world in Asia, Africa and Latin America — the Global South — is where production (agriculture, forestry and manufacturing) is still largely focussed, and the largest markets are coming into prominence. Developed nations may also need to provide support and resources to help in a just transition to more sustainable production and consumption patterns. This transition would support the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities, recognised in the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held at Rio de Janeiro. The answer is NOT to weaken environmental standards, but to enable exporters to meet them as a process of continuous improvement. WTO agreements now have the scope to ensure that environmental measures do not unduly restrict exports. Examples like the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement which deals with food safety and animal and plant health and the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement which deals with product standards and labelling are important examples in shaping this discussion. In our own context, India has over the last decade started making positive progress in achieving the SDG 12. The country has taken several steps to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. With the implementation of schemes and initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, the Clean Ganga Mission, and the National Solar Mission, the focus has been to reduce waste and promote green technology. The government has also introduced policies to encourage renewable energy, eco-friendly transportation, and efficient water management. Furthermore, India has increased its share of renewable energy in its energy mix and has taken significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint. India’s progress in achieving SDG 12 is commendable but there is still significant work to be done on the household and individual consumer awareness and how some of this intersects with price volatility and access. India’s recent State of India’s Environment report by Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment and Down To Earth highlights how unsustainable consumption patterns have led to environmental degradation and social inequality, particularly in rural areas. For instance, monoculture farming practices have resulted in soil depletion and erosion, whereas rampant deforestation has contributed to the loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Therefore, it is essential to promote agroforestry and other sustainable production methods that preserve soil health, reduce water use, and increase biodiversity. India is at the helm of the regional balance of trade; this position is crucial and can create pathways which emulate and ensure sustainable production and consumption. Encouraging sustainable practices, raising awareness about the impacts of our choices, and creating fair trade networks can help mitigate the adverse effects of unsustainable consumption patterns and promote regional balance of trade. Taking such measures can lay the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future for all in bolster the movement against climate change and biodiversity loss. Neha Simlai is the head of Social Policy Researcg Foundation India, a think tank based in Delhi, working on a range of critical themes to bridge academic research and public policy. Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/governance/a-low-carbon-economy-will-only-succeed-if-it-is-equitable-89984