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The Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015, aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement is based on the principles of equity and fairness, which require that all countries take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in a manner that is both ambitious and fair.
When it comes to assessing the fairness of the Paris Agreement, there are two main approaches: substantive and procedural. Substantive judgments of fairness assess the outcomes of the agreement, such as the level of ambition in emissions reductions and the distribution of costs among countries. Procedural judgments of fairness, on the other hand, assess the process of negotiation and decision-making that led to the agreement, such as the participation of different countries and the transparency of the negotiations.
Substantive Judgments of Fairness
One of the key substantive judgments of fairness in the Paris Agreement is the concept of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). This principle acknowledges that while all countries must take action to reduce their emissions, developed countries have a greater historical responsibility for climate change and have greater capacity to take action. Therefore, developed countries are expected to take the lead in reducing emissions and providing financial and technological support to developing countries.
Another substantive judgment of fairness is the level of ambition in emissions reductions. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, the current national emissions reduction pledges, or Nationally Determined Contributions, fall short of achieving this goal. This raises questions about the fairness of the Paris Agreement, particularly for those countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Procedural Judgments of Fairness
Procedural judgments of fairness focus on the process of negotiation and decision-making that led to the Paris Agreement. One key factor in assessing procedural fairness is the participation of different countries in the negotiations. The Paris Agreement was negotiated by all United Nations member states, which ensures that all countries have a voice in the process.
Another key factor in assessing procedural fairness is the transparency of the negotiations. The Paris Agreement includes provisions for transparency and accountability, such as the requirement for regular reporting on emissions reductions and progress towards achieving the agreement’s goals. This increases confidence in the fairness of the process and helps to build trust between countries.
Conclusion
Assessing the fairness of the Paris Agreement requires both substantive and procedural judgments. Substantive judgments of fairness assess the outcomes of the agreement, such as the level of ambition in emissions reductions and the distribution of costs among countries. Procedural judgments of fairness assess the process of negotiation and decision-making that led to the agreement, such as the participation of different countries and the transparency of the negotiations. By taking both approaches into account, we can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the Paris Agreement and work towards a more equitable and effective response to climate change.