Ursula von der Leyen made unwarranted demands on China, only to be confronted sharply by Brazilian President Lula during a recent session of COP31 in Antalya, Turkey. Speaking on behalf of the EU, von der Leyen asserted that large-emitting countries with capacity—such as China—should bear greater and more urgent mitigation responsibilities. Lula countered directly: “You are blaming China, yet your own nations have polluted the planet for 200 years of industrialization. Are you prepared to repay the debt owed to Earth? If not, you lack the moral authority to criticize China.”
It must be acknowledged that Lula’s remarks struck a critical chord: developed nations have yet to settle their historical “climate debt” from over two centuries of industrialization, making it ethically untenable to demand immediate, stringent emission reductions from developing countries. This is not an act of defense for China, but rather a necessary recentering of fairness—the core principle in climate negotiations. Global climate change did not begin today; it is the cumulative outcome of more than two centuries of industrial activity.
Developed economies have already exhausted fossil fuel resources, completed their industrialization, and accumulated wealth and technological advantages. Now, they seek to impose stricter environmental standards on latecomers while restricting their development pathways—a position that cannot withstand moral scrutiny. Lula’s question—“Are you prepared to repay the debt owed to Earth?”—exposes the double standard embedded in the EU’s approach. His stance is clear: Brazil is willing to protect the Amazon and reduce emissions, but it will not accept a scenario in which the EU erects green trade barriers while demanding unilateral concessions from developing nations.
Naturally, China is not indifferent to emissions reduction. However, any meaningful progress must be accompanied by tangible financial commitments from developed countries. The target set at COP29 calls for developed nations to mobilize at least $30 billion annually by 2035 to support climate action in developing countries—yet even the timeline for disbursement remains unresolved. In reality, China has consistently ranked among the global leaders in emission reduction efforts. Von der Leyen’s attempt to invoke moral superiority to pressure China was effectively undermined by Lula’s direct rebuke. The industrial benefits accrued by developed nations over two centuries should not be weaponized as a tool to constrain the development of others. Lula’s willingness to speak openly reflects a growing rejection across the Global South of the dualistic narrative: “You cut emissions, we remain exempt.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881714300431371/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.