Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/madagascar-prays-rain-un-warns-climate-change-famine-2021-10-11/
Currently, the United Nations is sounding the alarm for a devastating famine in Southern Madagascar. This famine originates from droughts throughout the Southern part of the country due to climate change. According to Reuters, some parts of the country have not received a “proper rain” for almost a decade. The United Nations states that weather patterns have become quite erratic in the country due to climate change. This has caused lower rain levels over the past six years and increased cyclones. The country is one of the hardest being hit due to climate change, with over half a million children in the country facing malnutrition, yet it only produces .01% of global carbon dioxide emissions. In response to the famine the United Nations has brought, French corporations are opening up food factories in the country, and the national government is giving farm land and livestock to families fleeing the southern part of the country.
This famine can cause widespread disease, malnourishment, and death within the country if it is not addressed soon by the International community and the Malagasy government. Currently, the country is not prepared to move past its mostly agrarian economy and must make adaptations to its agricultural practices in order to combat the widespread famine.
Also, in response to this climate change-fueled famine, the government of Madagascar may sound the alarm to the international community on the very real and harmful effects of climate change. However, because of Madagascar’s lack of political clout little new international legislation will be passed in response to the famine.
Also, this could destabilize one of the most secure countries within a very volatile African region. For example, many famines are taking place currently in Africa: Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Somalia. However, these famines are due to war, while Madagascar is one of the most peaceful countries in that region. However, growing hunger and impoverishment almost always leads to unrest and that unrest and violence can be turned against the government which would even further exacerbate the famine within the Southern region.
This perfectly highlights the common goods problem and what happens when reciprocity fails. No country wants to put itself under harsh environmental restrictions because it would lead to a loss of profits, worse economic conditions, and unhappy constituents who may have lost their job if they work in an industry like coal mining. However, every country knows they need to work together in order to stop climate change or famines like the one in Madagascar will become progressively worse and hit other countries as well. The reciprocity approach of countries working together for a common goal is not working as well as it should, and countries could take a dominance approach where they start sanctioning other countries that do not meet certain regulations.