The build up to COP28, in Q4 2023 in the UAE, is quite interesting for the sheer diversity of responses, which include paranoia and blame-shifting, ungainly browbeating and dialectical discussions. There is rosy optimism that the rise in temperatures can be stalled and eventually reversed, and then there are those that drip cynicism in every word they utter.

The complexity is layered, with the interplay of regional and national self-interests being a key one, in addition to those that wave historical data as evidence and speak of extreme forms of climate injustice.

Surendar Balakrishnan

It is important to consider all perspectives, and there are many that are affected in varying degrees. Take the case of Small Island Developing States (SIDs), who are facing a near-term existential threat. Many of them already face waters climbing to uncomfortable levels, to the extent that entire habitations of people have to be relocated. These climate refugees are calling out for justice, for they rightfully see themselves as parcels of land that have contributed the least to the present-day climate crisis but are having to suffer the most.

Their frustration stems from the fact that those countries that they believe are responsible for the current state of affairs are not honouring their commitments. The pledges made in the build up to COP26 remain just that – more honoured in the breach than the observance. And a promise of annual financial assistance of USD 10 billion a year from 2010 to the target of USD 100 billion a year by 2020 became a mocking-stock for failure to adhere; today, the cumulative amount of that inaction by developed countries stands at almost a staggering USD 1 trillion, the SIDs and the others of their ilk point out.

That’s the condition at a macro level. We are seeing no less inaction at corporate level. Entire organisations – including those in the HVACR industry – are speaking fervently on green action and broad ESG goals but are failing to walk the talk in a concerted, consensus-based manner. There is a profound absence of collective will and the intent to look beyond commercial scope of interest. And the implications of this mindset are hitting us hard. As was obvious from the Canadian wildfires of June 2023, the cause was climate change, and the impact was poor outdoor air quality, horribly manifested as red-hued skies over New York City, amongst other places. The fight against climate change is a serious affair, as is the need for better Indoor Environmental Quality. If truth be said, we are not doing enough to address either.