Climate Justice and the Global South

Climate change is often described as a global challenge requiring a global response. Yet the reality is starkly unequal: the nations least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions are precisely those suffering the most severe consequences.

Historical Responsibility

The principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) has been a cornerstone of international climate negotiations since 1992. It recognizes that developed countries bear a historical responsibility for the bulk of accumulated emissions.

Loss and Damage

The establishment of a Loss and Damage fund at COP28 in Dubai marked a significant milestone for climate justice. Vulnerable developing nations had demanded compensation for climate impacts that adaptation measures cannot address.

"Climate justice is not charity — it is the fulfilment of a legal and moral obligation."