Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 9-25-2025

Abstract

The climate crisis is here, and it demands that we act together — and act now. The reality is deeply unfair: the Global South, which contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, is paying the highest price for climate change. Communities face floods, droughts, and other devastating impacts, yet they have the least access to the resources needed to adapt. Current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are falling short, held back by gaps in fairness, accountability, and real action on the ground. Shockingly, less than 10% of international climate finance reaches the local communities who need it most. This paper proposes evolving NDCs into Global Determined Contributions (GDCs) — a framework where high-emitting nations offset excess emissions by investing in verifiable renewable energy projects in vulnerable countries. Guided by the principle of Mutirão — collective synergy between local and global actors — the GDC Offset Synergy Model links the technological capacity and finance of the Global North with the renewable potential and development needs of the Global South. Drawing on case studies from Germany, Madagascar, and Kenya, this paper demonstrates how targeted, verifiable investments can deliver measurable emission reductions and long-term socio-economic benefits. It calls on COP30 negotiators to establish a GDC pilot registry, adopt robust MRV (Measurement, Reporting, Verification) standards, and scale equitable carbon markets. The climate crisis is shared — our solutions must be united.

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