The UN is made up of member states, and countries with the most power, such as the U.S. or China, often have conflicting interests when it comes to addressing environmental destruction or unsustainable development. Countries heavily invested in many exploitative industries, especially in sectors like mining, oil, fashion, and agriculture, continue to have severe impacts on the environment and people, particularly in Global South nations have economic interests in maintaining the status quo, making it difficult for the UN to take aggressive action. These industries often exploit cheap labor and extract resources without regard for long-term environmental health, while the Global North benefits from these practices.