Climate justice
An approach examining how climate causes, impacts and responses distribute rights, responsibilities and opportunities.
Example
It considers historical emissions, vulnerability and participation in decisions.
The catch
Different ethical perspectives can lead to different policy priorities.
In more depth
Climate justice, explained.
Climate justice has a foothold in treaty language. The UN climate convention rests on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, under which developed countries should take the lead, and the Paris Agreement's preamble notes the importance for some of the concept of climate justice. The IPCC treats it as covering the fair sharing of costs and benefits, fair decision-making and recognition of the people affected.
The idea applies inside countries too. Policies that raise energy prices without support can hit low-income households hardest, so a just transition and the polluter pays principle often appear in the same debates. Loss and damage, funding for harm that adaptation cannot prevent, is one of its sharpest practical tests.