MEV 025: Unit 09 – Climate justice

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 UNIT 9: CLIMATE JUSTICE

9.1 Introduction

Climate change does not affect everyone equally. While it is a global issue, its impacts are felt differently by countries and communities based on their geography, economic status, and adaptive capacity. This uneven burden of climate change has given rise to the concept of climate justice, which recognizes that those who have contributed the least to the problem often suffer the most from its effects.

Climate justice integrates principles of equity, human rights, and responsibility into climate action. It addresses the ethical dimensions of climate change and seeks to ensure fair treatment for all, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable populations. This unit explores the idea of climate justice in the context of global inequality, displacement, and the contrasting interests of developed and developing nations.

9.2 Objectives

  • To understand the concept of equity in climate change.
  • To examine the divide between developed and developing countries in climate responsibilities.
  • To understand the challenges of climate displacement and the plight of climate refugees.
  • To explore how low-lying areas and small island nations are particularly vulnerable.
  • To analyze the contrasting priorities of developed and developing nations in climate negotiations.
  • To study the role of fossil fuels and sustainable development in the context of climate justice.

9.3 Defining Equity

Equity in the context of climate change refers to fairness in the distribution of both the burdens and benefits of climate action. It recognizes the differing capacities and historical responsibilities of countries.

  • Procedural equity ensures fair and inclusive decision-making processes.
  • Distributive equity focuses on the fair distribution of costs and benefits of climate action.
  • Intergenerational equity emphasizes justice for future generations.

9.3.1 Relationship between Equity and Climate Change

  • Developed countries have historically emitted the majority of greenhouse gases (GHGs), while developing nations are now the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
  • Equity demands that wealthier nations take greater responsibility by reducing emissions and supporting vulnerable countries financially and technologically.
  • Climate policies must not deepen existing inequalities but instead promote sustainable and inclusive growth.

9.4 Division between the Rich and Poor Countries

The division between rich (developed) and poor (developing) countries lies at the heart of climate negotiations.

  • Developed countries: Account for a large share of historical emissions; have better infrastructure and financial resources to cope with climate change.
  • Developing countries: Often depend on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and have limited adaptive capacity.
  • The principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), enshrined in the UNFCCC, reflects this divide.

Key concerns for developing countries:

  • Adequate climate finance for adaptation and mitigation.
  • Technology transfer and capacity building.
  • Protection of livelihoods and economic development pathways.

9.5 Climate Displacement

Climate change leads to forced displacement due to extreme weather events, sea-level rise, desertification, and resource conflicts. These people are known as climate-displaced persons or climate migrants.

9.5.1 Climate Refugees

  • The term "climate refugee" describes people forced to leave their homes due to climate-related events.
  • Currently, international law (like the 1951 Refugee Convention) does not recognize climate refugees.
  • Countries like Bangladesh, small island states, and drought-prone African regions are at high risk.
  • Climate displacement raises ethical and legal questions about responsibility, resettlement, and compensation.

9.5.2 Climate Justice

Climate justice advocates for:

  • Legal recognition and protection of climate refugees.
  • Ensuring affected populations have access to basic rights (shelter, health, food).
  • Resettlement support and compensation from countries with historical emissions responsibility.
  • Fair representation of vulnerable communities in global climate governance.

9.6 Threat to Low Lands and Small Islands

Low-lying coastal areas and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the most vulnerable to climate change.

Key threats:

  • Sea-level rise leading to land loss and saltwater intrusion.
  • Increased frequency of tropical storms and storm surges.
  • Economic collapse due to loss of tourism and fisheries.
  • Cultural extinction as entire communities risk becoming stateless.

Examples:

  • Maldives, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, and parts of the Sundarbans in India and Bangladesh.

These regions require urgent global support, adaptation financing, and international legal protection mechanisms.

9.7 The Conflict and Contrast between Developed and Developing Nations

There exists a persistent conflict of interest between developed and developing countries:

Issue

Developed Nations

Developing Nations

Emission Cuts

Push for universal reduction

Seek exemptions based on historic responsibility

Financial Support

Often reluctant or slow to deliver promised aid

Demand climate finance and technology transfers

Growth vs. Climate

Prioritize emission reduction

Emphasize poverty alleviation and development

Legal Obligations

Prefer voluntary targets

Demand binding commitments by the historical polluters

Climate justice seeks to bridge this gap through fair agreements, just transitions, and international cooperation.

9.8 Fossil Fuel, Sustaining Development, and Developing/Developed Countries

Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—are the main drivers of global warming, yet they remain central to energy and economic systems.

  • Developed countries have used fossil fuels to achieve industrialization.
  • Developing countries are still reliant on fossil fuels to meet energy demands and reduce poverty.

Challenges:

  • Sudden shift to renewables may disrupt economic growth in developing nations.
  • Just transition is needed: helping fossil-fuel dependent economies shift to green alternatives without causing social or economic harm.

Sustainable Development in climate justice means:

  • Ensuring economic growth with minimal environmental impact.
  • Providing financial and technological support for clean energy transitions.
  • Creating green jobs and inclusive development models.

9.9 Let Us Sum Up

  • Climate justice emphasizes fairness, equity, and responsibility in addressing climate change.
  • There is a global divide between developed and developing nations in terms of climate impact and capacity.
  • Climate displacement and the plight of climate refugees raise major ethical and legal questions.
  • Low-lying areas and island nations face existential threats and need urgent global support.
  • Fossil fuel dependency, especially in developing nations, poses a challenge to achieving both sustainable development and climate goals.
  • The principles of climate justice guide international negotiations and national policies to ensure a fair and inclusive response to the climate crisis.

9.10 Keywords

  1. Climate Justice – A concept that links human rights and development to achieve a fair distribution of climate change burdens and benefits.
  2. Equity – Fairness in responsibility and capability to act on climate change.
  3. Climate Refugees – Individuals forced to migrate due to climate change-related environmental conditions.
  4. Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) – A UNFCCC principle acknowledging the different capabilities and responsibilities of countries.
  5. Sustainable Development – Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
  6. Just Transition – A fair shift from fossil fuel-based economies to renewable, sustainable systems, ensuring social justice.
  7. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – Countries highly vulnerable to climate change due to geographic and economic conditions.
  8. Fossil Fuels – Carbon-based energy sources that contribute to GHG emissions.
  9. Climate Displacement – The forced migration of people due to climate-related environmental changes.
  10. Intergenerational Equity – Fair treatment of future generations in today's climate decisions.

 

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