ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, NORTH-SOUTH DEBATE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper interrogates environmental degradation, global North-South debate and sustainable development. It examines the blame game between the developed and developing countries over the increasing degradation of the environment which has birthed deleterious consequences globally. It also reflects on the environmental concerns in both wealthy and poor countries and how they should be addressed so as to guarantee sustainable development. Anchored in the Theory of Collective Goods as the frame of analysis, the paper hypothesizes that the impact of the North’s high consumption rate and gas emission along with the South’s population explosion and poverty contribute adversely to the environment. Using documentary method with data sourced from mainly secondary sources and relying on inductive analytical technique for data analysis, the paper found out that both parties are responsible for the deplorable state of the environment. The impact of the North’s high consumption rate and gas emission along with the South’s population explosion and poverty all contribute adversely to the environment. It is recommended, among others, that all countries sign up for the Paris Climate agreement and that the people should be actively involved by the government and other stakeholders in the implementation of environmental policies and programmes if sustainable development is to be achieved.