The politics of climate change negotiations are deeply influenced by the historical, economic, and geopolitical divide between the Global North and the Global South. This divide is rooted in historical responsibilities for greenhouse gas emissions, economic capacities to address climate change, and the social and political implications of climate policies. The North-South politics in climate negotiations manifest in disputes over responsibility, financial commitments, technology transfer, and adaptation measures. The global governance structure, power imbalances, and economic disparities further complicate negotiations, making the process contentious and protracted.  

### Historical Responsibilities and Climate Justice  

One of the key aspects of North-South politics in climate negotiations is the issue of historical responsibility. Developed nations, primarily in the Global North, have contributed the majority of cumulative greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other industrialized economies have historically relied on fossil fuels to achieve economic growth, resulting in significant environmental degradation. In contrast, the Global South, including developing nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, has contributed comparatively less to historical emissions.  

The principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), established in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), acknowledges this disparity. It argues that developed nations should take greater responsibility in mitigating climate change and supporting developing nations in adaptation efforts. However, developed nations often resist binding commitments that disproportionately place the burden on them, leading to political deadlocks in climate summits.  

### Financial Commitments and Climate Finance  

A major point of contention in climate negotiations is climate finance. Developing nations require financial assistance to transition to low-carbon economies, implement mitigation strategies, and adapt to climate impacts. The Global North, represented by developed economies, has committed to mobilizing financial resources to assist the Global South. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established to channel financial support, with developed countries pledging to provide $100 billion annually to developing nations by 2020. However, this commitment has not been fully met, and there are ongoing disputes over the sources, transparency, and accountability of climate finance.  

Developing countries argue that the funds provided are inadequate, sporadic, and often come in the form of loans rather than grants, exacerbating their economic burdens. On the other hand, developed countries insist on financial accountability and measurable outcomes before disbursing funds. This dynamic creates friction in negotiations, as developing nations perceive the financial commitments as a moral obligation of the North, while developed nations view them as