Ethics & International Affairs Volume 21.4 (Winter 2007): Features (Peer-Reviewed): Human Rights Versus Emissions Rights: Climate Justice and the Equitable Distribution of Ecological Space [Abstract]

Dec 6, 2007

There is agreement internationally that responsibility for reducing emissions should be equitably shared, but debate about the principles for determining equitable shares frequently focuses on the distribution of emissions rights. This shift of focus from responsibilities to rights is not necessarily conducive to reducing emissions. There is reason for caution, particularly, regarding suggestions that emissions rights should be assimilated to human rights. Concerns about the situation of the worst-off globally have led to calls for recognition of a human right to some baseline amount of emissions per capita in order to secure subsistence.

However, given the reasons to support a human right to an adequate environment, it would be a mistake to recognize any human right to pollute. What the worst-off have a right to is secure access to the means to a decent life. Arguing that issues of both emissions and subsistence should be comprehended within a single framework of justice, the proposal here is that this broader framework be developed by reference to the idea of "ecological space." An equitable distribution of rights to ecological space would in principle ensure an equitable distribution of welfare goods without sanctioning any excess use of natural resources or environmental services, including the planet’s capacity for absorbing carbon.

To read or purchase the full text of this article, click here.

You may also like

DEC 22, 2022 Journal

Ethics & International Affairs Volume 36.4 (Winter 2022)

The highlight of the Winter 2022 issue of "Ethics & International Affairs" journal is a roundtable organized by David Ragazzoni on healing and reimagining liberal constitutional democracy, ...

NOV 12, 2020 Podcast

The United Nations at 75: Looking Back to Look Forward, Episode 3, with Noeleen Heyzer

Noeleen Heyzer, former executive director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women, discuss the role of women in the UN over the years. Heyzer ...

United Nations Environment Programme headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya. CREDIT: Maria Ivanova.

OCT 22, 2020 Podcast

The United Nations at 75: Looking Back to Look Forward, Episode 2, with Maria Ivanova

University of Massachusetts Boston's Dr. Maria Ivanova speaks about the UN's efforts on climate change, focusing on the role of the United Nations Environment Programme (...