July 18, 2025

Veronica Movchan 

11th Grade

Brooklyn Technical High School

Though developing countries contribute the least to global emissions, they suffer the most from climate change. Green technology, which refers to environmentally friendly innovations designed to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability, represents a global shift toward cleaner alternatives to traditional development. Innovations such as electric vehicles, intelligent agriculture, and hydrogen-based energy solutions offer countries the opportunity to address climate change while building stronger economies. It is both essential and possible to implement green technology in developing countries; however, doing so requires strategic planning, global cooperation, and consideration of local needs.

Green technology is not only environmentally necessary, but it is economically promising. As global demand for sustainable solutions increases, green sectors are becoming key drivers of innovation and competitiveness. Investments in renewable energy, clean transportation, and sustainable agriculture are transforming industries and creating new development pathways. UNCTAD states, “Green and frontier technologies are estimated to create a market of over $9.5 trillion by 2030”, attracting large-scale public and private investment (“What Is Green Technology and Can Developing Countries Afford It?”). Expanding this sector in developing nations could spark job creation, diversify economies, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Besides reducing carbon footprint, green technology allows countries to potentially bypass the polluting industrial methods that shaped many developed economies. Green tech encourages long-term environmental sustainability while improving public health and energy security. 

Despite its benefits, implementing green technology in developing countries comes with challenges. The initial investment required for green technologies, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can be prohibitively high, especially in countries with limited fiscal space. Financing costs can significantly raise the long-term price of clean energy production, making projects less accessible. Beyond cost, developing nations often face structural issues: insufficient infrastructure, a lack of technical expertise, and limited access to technology due to strict international trade and intellectual property rules. As Vicente Paolo Yu explains, “many developing countries have struggled to move through these channels from simple foreign technology acquisition into adaptation and subsequent endogenous technology development” (Yu). Therefore, even when countries can import technologies, they often lack the means to adapt them to meet local needs or to build their own innovations. The stark contrast between developed and developing countries in green tech accessibility is depicted in the ranking made by Statista (“Infographic: Which Countries Are Best Prepared for the Green Tech Transition?”). Countries such as South Sudan scored a 797, while the United States scored a 49, on a 797-point scale where a higher score represents a lower level of readiness for sustainable technology. This gap reflects deeper inequalities in resources, infrastructure, and policy support that make green technology more accessible to some countries than others. Addressing these disparities is essential for global climate progress and equitable development.

While there are numerous obstacles, practical strategies are already being applied across the Global South to make green technology more accessible and effective. One promising approach is tailoring technologies to fit local conditions. By relying on domestic resources and technical knowledge, countries can avoid costly imports and design systems that align more closely with community needs. Vicente Paolo Yu highlights the importance of “localized solutions”, which not only lower expenses but also improve the chances of long-term adoption and impact (Yu). Another solution lies in strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. These collaborations allow governments and companies to combine funding, distribute risk, and accelerate innovation. Egypt’s 2014 renewable energy law, for example, enabled major solar and wind projects by creating a framework for such cooperation (“What Is Green Technology and Can Developing Countries Afford It?”). In other regions, including Chile, Panama, and South Africa, governments are launching green hydrogen initiatives that aim to meet both climate and development goals. While there is no universal blueprint, these examples show that with targeted investments, policy support, and inclusive planning, green technology can become both feasible and transformative.

Green technology is a vital tool for climate resilience and sustainable growth. For developing countries, its implementation can foster innovation, reduce environmental vulnerability, and promote economic independence. However, without serious attention to affordability, access, and long-term support, the promise of green technology will continue to bypass the countries most affected by climate change.