CLIMATE MITIGATION AND DEVELOPMENT TRADE-OFFS IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH: REASSESSING POVERTY, HUNGER, AND EQUITY IN GLOBAL CLIMATE GOVERNANCE

Climate change mitigation is an urgent global priority, but its pursuit poses disproportionate challenges for developing countries that contribute minimally to global emissions yet bear the brunt of climate impacts. These countries also face immediate developmental needs, including poverty reduction, food security, healthcare, and education, creating tensions between addressing urgent socio-economic concerns and implementing long-term mitigation strategies. The central puzzle of this research is “should climate change mitigation be a priority for developing countries, given the more immediate concerns of reducing poverty and hunger for today’s generation? This study hence, examines whether climate change mitigation should be prioritized by developing countries, with a focus on the energy and agricultural sectors that are both major emitting sectors yet critical for livelihoods. Drawing on case study insights from Nigeria and Nepal, this research analyzes trade-offs, co-benefits, and synergies of climate policies, employing climate justice and sustainable development theories. This study argues that while mitigation is important, it must not overshadow urgent developmental needs; instead, a balanced, equity-driven, and context-specific approach is required, supported by financial and technological transfers from wealthier nations. Findings reveal that mitigation policies, if implemented without progressive redistribution, risk deepening poverty, increasing food prices, and exacerbating inequalities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, evidence also suggests that integrated approaches such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy expansion, international financial transfers, and just transition frameworks, can create co-benefits that simultaneously advance development and climate goals. The study concludes that developing countries require spatial time, financial and technological support, and equity-centered global climate governance to harmonize poverty alleviation with climate action. Finally, a balanced approach that addresses urgent developmental needs while gradually advancing mitigation is essential for sustainable and just global futures.