How do you fuel an economy while putting the brakes on climate destruction? That’s the question facing the Global South. Cities like Jakarta, Lagos, and Dhaka are in a race to expand, create jobs, and build the infrastructure necessary for millions of new residents. But as they pave roads and build factories, they also find themselves on the front lines of climate disasters.

Can these cities strike a balance between growth and sustainability, or are they destined to choose between progress and the planet? This article explores why these cities face such tough choices, how climate migration is making things even more complicated, and why the world needs to take notice. Along the way, we’ll dig into some often-overlooked topics like climate justice and the role of international investment. Ready to dive in?

What’s Driving Growth in the Global South?

What’s the secret ingredient behind the rapid growth in the Global South? The truth is, it’s no secret at all. People are flocking to cities in search of better opportunities, and governments are racing to meet their needs. From building roads and factories to expanding power grids, these cities are in overdrive to modernize. But here’s the catch: as they grow, so do their carbon footprints.

Urbanization may boost economies, but it also piles on the environmental pressures. Do cities in the Global South have to choose between growth and green? Or is there a way to get the best of both worlds without the planet paying the price?

The Sustainability Dilemma

Is sustainability really something the Global South can afford—or is it a luxury reserved for wealthier nations? Here’s where things get tricky. Cities in these regions are under enormous pressure to show quick economic returns, which often means relying on resource-heavy industries and fossil fuels. The challenge? These quick fixes come with long-term consequences.

Isn’t it tempting to go for the low-hanging fruit when there’s so much immediate need for jobs and infrastructure? But what happens when those same short-term gains lock cities into unsustainable development models for decades to come? The Global South has the chance to leapfrog over the dirty industrialization pathways of the past. But how do you fund that leap when clean energy and green infrastructure come with hefty price tags?

The Role of Climate Migration

If you think climate migration is someone else’s problem, think again. The Global South is ground zero for a mass movement of people driven by environmental disasters. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just coastal communities fleeing rising sea levels. It’s also drought-stricken farmers, flood victims, and those left homeless by unpredictable weather patterns. And where are they headed? Right into cities already struggling to provide for their residents.

What does this mean for urban centers already bursting at the seams? Climate migration isn’t just about moving people from one place to another—it’s about cities being forced to accommodate more mouths to feed, more jobs to create, and more homes to build. Are these cities prepared to handle this influx, or are we setting them up for a future where environmental refugees become the new norm?

Climate Justice: The Biggest Victims Aren’t the Biggest Polluters

Should countries that contributed the least to climate change be the ones paying the highest price? This is the crux of climate justice. The Global South—despite being responsible for only a small fraction of global emissions—finds itself shouldering the biggest climate burdens. Floods, droughts, extreme heat—you name it. These regions are taking the hit while richer nations debate policy from the comfort of their air-conditioned offices.

Here’s where the big question comes in: Should wealthier countries bear more of the responsibility to help the Global South transition to a sustainable future? If those who caused the problem are best positioned to solve it, why hasn’t more been done to level the playing field? And as climate talks continue, are we really moving the needle, or just pushing paper?

International Investment: Friend or Foe?

Are international investors looking out for the planet or just their bottom line? It’s no secret that foreign investment drives development in the Global South. But not all investments are aligned with sustainability goals. In fact, many international funds still flow into carbon-heavy industries—think oil pipelines and coal plants.

Why? Because they deliver quick returns. But at what cost? What if these investments are locking developing cities into unsustainable practices that will be even harder to undo in the future? And on the flip side, how do we make green investments more attractive when they come with higher risks and longer time horizons? It’s clear that the investment game needs to change—are international investors up for the challenge?

Sustainable Solutions from the Global South

If you think sustainable innovation is exclusive to wealthy nations, think again. The Global South is already home to some of the most creative green solutions out there. Take Kenya, for example. Over 90% of its electricity comes from renewable sources like geothermal and wind. Or look at Curitiba in Brazil, where innovative urban planning has transformed public transport and slashed emissions.

How are these regions leading the way with fewer resources? Could they hold the key to a more sustainable future for all of us? And what other cities could follow suit by looking inward for the solutions that work best for their unique challenges?

The Global Role—Why the World Should Care

Does what happens in the Global South really matter for the rest of the world? The answer is a resounding yes. The decisions made by these cities will play a huge role in whether the world meets its climate goals. If they’re forced down carbon-intensive paths, we all lose. But if they’re supported in their efforts to grow sustainably, they’ll not only protect their own populations—they’ll help protect the planet.

And let’s not forget about climate migration. When environmental refugees move, they don’t just stay within national borders. They cross into other regions, creating new pressures for countries far from the Global South. So, the question is: Can we afford not to care about the path these cities take?

Can We All Win This Balancing Act?

So, what’s the next step in balancing growth and sustainability in the Global South? The tension isn’t going away, but neither are the opportunities to do things differently. Wealthier nations need to step up, international investors need to rethink their priorities, and cities in the Global South must continue innovating with the tools they have.

Are you ready to play a part in this global effort? The choices made today in Jakarta, Lagos, and Dhaka will ripple out across the world. The question is: Will we support them in building a future that works for everyone?