Carbon reduction policies based on the example of South America and Africa

Institute of Service and Entrepreneurship (branch) of DSTU in Shakhty, 147 Shevchenko str., 346500, Russian Federation

^* Corresponding author: alinnesisiewa@yandex.ru

Abstract

This article examines the political economy of decarbonization in South American and African countries from 2000 to 2021-2022, which have already reached national zero transition. These countries include Suriname, Panama, and Guyana, Comoros. An analytical approach is used, including a rich interdisciplinary systematic literature review and thematic analysis. For each country, the driving forces and political motivation for achieving zero emissions are explored, including the timing, obstacles and benefits of decarbonization, as well as its impact on equality and equity. The main goal of the study is to expand the database on low—carbon transitions beyond the often studied Western, developed, rich and democratic countries (WEIRD) and provide new empirical data on energy policy strategies in the real world. All countries apply similar approaches related to land use, renewable energy sources and waste management. Common obstacles include vulnerability to extreme climate events such as natural disasters and ecosystem degradation. Despite these challenges, achieving zero emissions has a positive impact on marginalized communities, ensuring a more equitable distribution of climate benefits, mitigating negative health effects and reducing social inequality, especially in low-income areas.