Leaders from wealthier nations, including the UK and Germany, have argued that their low share of global emissions justifies delaying climate action. For instance, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pointed to the UK's less than 1% contribution, while other leaders have made similar claims to defend their countries' policies. This perspective has gained traction among nationalist-populist parties in Europe, who advocate for weaker climate policies.
However, climate scientists argue that historical emissions and the financial capacity of these nations to reduce pollution are crucial factors. They emphasize that every country, regardless of its current emissions share, has a role in addressing the climate crisis, as future warming is influenced by all emissions, not just those from the largest polluters.