While global climate discussions often center on the biggest economies and largest polluters, the true front lines of climate adaptation are in countries that have contributed least to the problem yet bear its gravest consequences. These nations grapple daily with a rapidly heating world, often with limited resources and facing the dwindling spirit of international collaboration.
I recently spoke with six heads of state from these vulnerable regions. Across our conversations, recurring themes emerged: the devastating impact of extreme weather, the frustrating hurdles created by major powers withdrawing from global agreements, and the persistent struggle for adequate funding for essential climate initiatives.
However, these discussions also revealed the incredibly diverse challenges each nation faces. Here are some insights from these interviews, condensed and edited for clarity:
Kenya: Leading Africa’s Green Transition
President William Ruto has emerged as a prominent voice for climate action on the African continent. Kenya itself is a leader in clean energy, relying heavily on biofuels, wind, and solar power. Yet, like many African nations, Kenya struggles to secure competitive financing for its green projects. Domestically, Ruto’s climate advocacy sometimes competes with voter demands for improved public services, economic stability, and lower living costs.
“When you talk to your people, how do you explain your focus on climate change, which can seem abstract to those struggling daily?”
“For Kenyans, climate change is anything but abstract. Droughts have left millions hungry, and recent floods in Nairobi alone claimed over 30 lives. No one can convince a Kenyan that this is an abstract issue; it is a lived reality.”
“Do you believe current international efforts to coordinate climate action have been effective?”
“It’s now widely accepted that countries like Kenya deserve consideration for climate financing. There was a time when such a notion seemed unthinkable. This shift, however small, is a sign of progress.”
“Can international climate collaboration truly succeed if a major player like the United States moves in the opposite direction?”
“I remain confident that the positions of the United States, China, Europe, and Africa will eventually converge. We may have disagreements for a time, but the sheer force of reality will compel us to find common ground. Climate change impacts every continent; the only difference is that developed nations have more resources to mitigate its immediate effects.”
Finland: Innovation and Arctic Challenges
Finland presents a unique case: it has successfully reduced carbon emissions while simultaneously boosting its economy. This success is underpinned by strong public support for government climate policies. The nation aims for carbon neutrality by 2035, though shipping fuel keeps it partly reliant on oil. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo describes a country undergoing profound transformation, with the Arctic warming at nearly four times the global average and arable land shifting northward as frozen regions thaw.
“With the U.S. stepping back from clean energy, is China becoming a more significant partner for Finland?”
“We must exercise caution and eliminate risky dependencies. Our clean energy production needs to be entirely autonomous.”
“Having worked on this issue for many years, what was your most personally disillusioning moment regarding climate change politics?”
“About five to ten years ago, there was a frustrating debate within my own country about whether climate change was even real. As someone deeply concerned about our planet, that was difficult. But we prevailed. Today, we possess new technologies that allow us to evolve our lifestyles without sacrificing well-being. We just need to believe it’s possible and persevere.”
The Marshall Islands: A Fight for Survival
This nation, composed of low-lying islands and reefs in the Pacific Ocean, stands just a few feet above sea level, facing escalating challenges each year. Rising sea levels, coupled with increased rainfall, have led to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Tuna, a vital economic resource, is migrating to cooler waters. President Hilda Heine, who has dedicated her career to raising awareness, starkly warns, “We will be submerged by 2050 if the world doesn’t do its part.”
“What do developed nations owe to countries like the Marshall Islands?”
“The projected cost to elevate just two of our communities runs into billions. This is a significant sum, and I truly hope that major emitters will step up to provide the necessary funding.”
“What specific actions are the Marshall Islands taking?”
“Ocean warming is destroying our corals, which are essential building blocks for atoll nations. We are actively researching coral species that can withstand these warmer conditions. Additionally, we are developing a new shipping fleet powered by wind and solar to replace our current fossil-fuel vessels.”
“What changes have your people had to adopt?”
“Just seven years ago, Majuro had no sea walls. Now, we’re building them to protect homes and schools. We used to simply walk into the lagoon; now, you have to navigate over sea walls to reach either the lagoon or ocean side. Our landscape is fundamentally different.”
“Do you believe your country will ultimately survive?”
“As the leader of the Marshall Islands, I cannot possibly entertain the thought that we won’t survive. We must endure.”
Bangladesh: Squeezed by Salinity and Displacement
Bangladesh, a low-lying delta with a dense, young population, confronts severe issues from rising sea levels and extreme heat. Agricultural disruption and population displacement are significant problems. Following a popular uprising last year, Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and pioneer of microcredit, was appointed as the government’s chief adviser. Yunus believes that just as small individual actions can lead to widespread social change, similar grassroots efforts can tackle climate change.
“How is Bangladesh currently experiencing climate change?”
“We must maximize every available space to feed our population. However, our land is not only succumbing to the ocean, but the tidal system also carries saline water inland, making our cultivable land unusable. In essence, our land is being squeezed, and it’s a very challenging situation.”
“To what extent do you think international climate action has succeeded?”
“We often attempt to solve every problem by simply throwing money at it, but that’s not the ultimate solution. I believe the real change begins when each individual commits to changing their own behavior. That is how the world will transform.”
“What do you believe developed countries, historically responsible for most global emissions, owe to a nation like Bangladesh?”
“All I can do is convey this message: ‘Look, this is our shared home. If you start a fire in your section, you suffer. But if your actions cause a fire in my section, that’s simply not fair. You are destroying the entire home, and our very existence depends on what you do.'”
Recent Headlines
Palestinian Statehood: World leaders gathered in New York for the U.N. General Assembly, with Palestinian statehood as a prominent issue. Several European nations formally recognized a Palestinian state, and the topic is set to dominate discussions at a U.N. conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. European officials have condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, though concrete actions remain limited. A key element — backing by Israel or the U.S. — is still absent for Palestinian statehood.
Charlie Kirk Memorial: Tens of thousands attended Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, including President Trump, JD Vance, Tucker Carlson, and Elon Musk. Trump’s 45-minute speech blended tributes to Kirk with his political agenda. The service underscored the convergence of conservative Christianity and Republican politics, with officials weaving faith expressions into their remarks. Thousands queued for hours, and attendees were encouraged to wear red, white, or blue.
International News: Protesters in Manila accused the Philippine government of misusing flood relief funds. Russia banned the International Baccalaureate, a move seen as reinforcing nationalism and militarism in schools.
Business News: Taiwanese screw factories are struggling due to Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum. China may consider giving up TikTok to gain leverage in trade and technology negotiations with the U.S.
Other Big Stories: The Chicago River is clean enough for swimming for the first time in nearly a century. Today marks the September equinox, signaling autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Former NASA executives warn that the U.S. could lose the moon race to China due to delays with SpaceX’s Starship rocket.
Protecting the Press
The Pentagon recently announced restrictions on military reporters, forbidding them from sharing any unauthorized information. Eric Schmitt, a national security correspondent for The Times with 35 years of experience, shared examples of crucial stories that would have remained hidden under such a policy:
- Caribbean boat strikes: Reports revealing Trump’s secret authorization of military force against drug cartels, which led to at least 17 deaths.
- Pentagon Papers: The publication of top-secret documents exposing government deception regarding U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
- Botched North Korea mission: An exclusive report on a failed 2019 secret operation in North Korea, resulting in the deaths of unarmed civilians and highlighting military risks often concealed from the public.
Such reporting, including investigations into WikiLeaks, the Iraq War, and NSA wiretapping, is vital for informing the public about national security matters.
Opinions
Hillary Rodham Clinton and Keren Yarhi-Milo argue that Trump’s reliance on personal relationships in diplomacy risks misjudging foreign leaders’ intentions. M. Gessen shared a column reflecting on the experience of “losing a country.”
Morning Reads
- New moms, old rituals: Mexican midwives are revitalizing ancestral postpartum practices like shawl-wrapping and herbal baths.
- Mad at tourists: Copenhagen residents are facing issues with destination weddings monopolizing city hall bookings.
- Your pick: The most popular article from yesterday’s “The Morning” newsletter was about a rekindled middle-school crush.
- Metropolitan Diary: An intriguing “maraschino cherry conspiracy.”
- Boundary pusher: Diane Martel, the influential music video director for artists like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Mariah Carey, passed away at 63.
Sports Highlights
N.F.L.: Football fans are buzzing about four blocked field goals yesterday, three of which occurred in the final two minutes and impacted game outcomes.
College football: Clemson is struggling, Indiana is performing well, and Texas Tech is a contender, among other Week 4 insights.
Tourism Woes: Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands, famed for their uniquely tame wildlife and Charles Darwin’s historic visit, are experiencing a shift. Post-pandemic, Airbnb rentals have made the islands more accessible, but critics warn this increased tourism is negatively impacting the delicate ecosystem.
The Morning Recommends…
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Games
Challenge yourself with today’s Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections, Sports Connections, and Strands. (Yesterday’s Spelling Bee pangrams included antiaircraft, frantic, infarct, and infract.)
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