Why Are Low-Emission Countries Not Safe from Climate Change?

The excessive use of carbon—particularly through the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal—has led to an alarming increase in greenhouse gas emissions, most notably carbon dioxide (CO₂). These emissions are driving global climate change, the effects of which are now being felt across every corner of the planet.
Ironically, the countries suffering the most from climate-related disasters are often those that contribute the least to global emissions. Nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several in Africa and the Pacific have long maintained minimal carbon footprints, yet they face the brunt of the crisis in the form of floods, droughts, heat waves, and rising sea levels.
In South Asia, erratic monsoon patterns and increasingly devastating floods—as seen in recent years in Pakistan and India—are stark examples of how vulnerable regions are bearing disproportionate consequences. The global temperature is rising at an unprecedented rate, glaciers are melting rapidly, and sea levels are encroaching upon coastal communities. Food and water insecurity is on the rise, while millions are being displaced—creating a new class of migrants: climate refugees.
The most severely affected regions include:
South Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan
Southeast Asia: Indonesia and the Maldives
Africa: Sahel region, Somalia, Ethiopia
Pacific Islands: Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji
In Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, large parts of the city are sinking due to rising sea levels and groundwater depletion. Meanwhile, the Maldives—only a few meters above sea level—faces the existential threat of total submergence.
Despite these dire conditions, the country’s most responsible for climate change—China, the United States, Russia, and Germany—remain relatively less affected. The reason? These developed nations possess robust infrastructure, advanced disaster response systems, and the financial resources to mitigate the immediate impacts of environmental disasters.
China, in particular, stands out. According to 2024 data, it is the world’s largest emitter of CO₂, accounting for roughly *30% of global emissions*. The majority of China’s electricity—more than 60%—is generated from coal, the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel. Massive industrial operations, rapid urbanization, and a growing transportation sector further compound the issue.
However, China is also taking notable steps to address its environmental impact. It has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, investing heavily in solar and wind power. Millions of solar panels and wind turbines have been installed across the country, making it the largest producer of renewable energy worldwide.
The Chinese government has pledged to:
Peak carbon emissions by 2030
Achieve carbon neutrality by 2060
The electric vehicle (EV) sector in China is growing at a remarkable pace, supported by a vast network of charging stations. In addition, large-scale afforestation projects—including the “Green Great Wall” initiative to combat desertification—are underway.
Despite these efforts, China’s reliance on fossil fuels continues. New coal-fired power plants are still being developed to meet its growing energy demands, reflecting the tension between economic growth and environmental responsibility.
This global imbalance in both responsibility and vulnerability raises the crucial issue of climate justice. It demands that:
High-emission countries offer financial and technical assistance to low-emission, climate-vulnerable nations.
Global cooperation is strengthened to ensure a fair and sustainable path forward.

If the world fails to act collectively, climate change will not remain confined to the vulnerable; it will eventually come for all. In an interconnected world, no nation is truly safe unless every nation is.