I often hear that third world countries suffer more from climate change that is caused by first world countries. Still, all that shaming of first world countries doesn't seem to move the needle toward transformational change.
Meanwhile many, in third world countries, are struggling to build first world economies, including the mistakes that the first world has made. Conservative religious values that push procreation versus alternative lifestyles were prevalent in the first world of the 1950s. They are still being promoted in much of the third world.
Automobile based transportation systems are still being built in much of the world. Even where people, in the third world, do better than USA for use of public transit, many still say they would rather drive if only they could afford a car.
Military spending, as a large percent of national budgets, is huge in many poor countries. Yes, the US tops the list in total military budget, but as a percent of GDP it's down in the list. There are wars all over the world, including a civil war within Sudan that is often under the radar of US media.
Europe has done a good job with public transit, alternative energy and social freedoms, yet due to climate change being a worldwide problem, it may be suffering more than just about any other part of the world. I think of the phrase, "the good guy finishes last."
Still, it seems like just about everyone, in the world, wants to progress toward prosperous, technological societies. European countries offer some good examples of greener societies that are still considered livable and prosperous.
China seems to be doing well in making a green transition, though it's not such a shining example of human rights.
The US still has great innovations happening in many corners, but the right wing mentality, controlling our government, is pushing the other way. I think the right wing mindset is rebelling against criticism of our consumptive economy.
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