Page 68 - RASAS 2025

10 Ruhuna Arts Student’s Annual Sessions (RASAS) -2025
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Reducing Carbon Emission in the Global South: Political and Economic
Challenges Related to Carbon Emission in Sri Lanka, India, and Kenya

B.M.S.N. Balasooriya
Department of Public Policy, University of Ruhuna
Sandeepikanimanthi@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Despite policy decisions being made around the world, the effectiveness of existing strategies to reduce carbon
emissions in the Global South remains unclear. This study examines the political-economy challenges faced

by countries such as Sri Lanka, India and Kenya, in relation to carbon emissions. These countries were selected
because they all share similar development trajectories. Therefore, they are identified as political-economy
linkages that provide a useful comparative study. This study specifically examines the political and economic

challenges that countries such as Sri Lanka and India face in reducing carbon emissions. It includes an
assessment of current actions taken and an assessment of existing gaps. Using secondary data, the study

examines the policy framework, international cooperation, and carbon emission trends in these countries. The
findings also highlight the problems of weak technological capacity, increasing emissions, and political and
economic stability. Furthermore, the financial under-representation of international finance, dependence on

external debt, and unstable political environments have reduced the effectiveness of domestic policies.
Moreover, shortcomings in international political policy have also played a major role. To overcome these,

this research emphasises the need for stable governance, innovative financing systems, and strong global
partnerships. Therefore, a multidimensional and equitable approach to solving the carbon emission problem in
the Global South is needed. We can also recognize the need to build equitable discourses for these Southern

communities in international forums such as COP and UNFCCC. Finally, the research concludes that context-
sensitive strategies for sustainable responses require reliable international finance and strong regional
cooperation. Not only that, but global coordination and technology transfer are also important; they also require

specific and consistent political commitments and the strengthening of domestic policies through innovative
financial mechanisms.

Keywords: Carbon emission, Climate change, Global South, Sri Lanka, UNFCCC

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