Introduction
What is climate justice and why do we need it?
Every being on Earth is affected by climate breakdown. However, the level of impact is disproportionate. Climate justice emerged from the idea that those primarily responsible for climate change are the wealthy and powerful people; yet it impacts the poorest and most vulnerable.
In light of this inequity, climate justice calls for the countries that became wealthy through unrestricted gas emissions to take more responsibility to take immediate action to mitigate its effects and support the affected regions and communities.
Understanding Responsibility
To determine who bears the biggest responsibility for climate change, it is essential to examine the greenhouse gas emissions levels.
Greenhouse gas emissions include various gases, which include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and smaller trace gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The chart shows the breakdown of global emissions in 2016. And carbon dioxide, contributing 74.4% of global emissions, stands out as the primary greenhouse gas.
Now let’s take a look at the annual carbon dioxide emissions by region.
When evaluating annual carbon dioxide emissions by region, it becomes evident that the United States and China are the largest contributors. In contrast, developing countries, particularly in Africa and South America, have significantly lower emissions. Paradoxically, these countries often endure the worst impacts of climate change, despite their minimal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
The Call for Climate Justice
In 2019, students from at the University of the South Pacific established the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), an organization aimed at elevating climate change as a human rights issue. Coming from Pacific Island countries, they embarked on a campaign to urge Pacific Island leaders to bring the matter of climate change’s impact on their communities and human rights to the International Court of Justice.
On March 29th, 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution seeking an ICJ advisory opinion on climate justice. While advisory opinions are not legally binding, they hold significant legal weight and moral authority, given the ICJ’s position as the highest global court. Therefore, these opinions contribute to the clarification and development of international law.
The Global Commitment
The UN Secretary-General has called the current global state a climate emergency, “a code red for humanity.” The international community has acknowledged this urgency and is coming together to address the climate crisis. At the UN Climate Conference in 2022, participating nations agreed to create a loss and damage fund for developing countries.
However, there is still much work to be done to effectively mitigate the climate crisis. If the acceleration of the climate crisis continues, it could pose a threat to basic human rights and security not only of vulnerable countries but to the entire global population. As responsible global citizens, it is crucial that we recognize the importance of implementing climate justice measures to provide compensation to the countries most heavily impacted by climate change.
Final Thoughts
Climate justice demands equitable action to address the unequal burdens of climate change. The urgent need for climate justice stems from the disproportionate impact of climate breakdown on vulnerable populations, despite their minimal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The international community is taking steps towards rectifying this injustice. However, sustained efforts and global cooperation are essential to mitigate the climate crisis effectively and safeguard the rights and well-being of all individuals and nations. Together, we can forge a path towards a more just and sustainable future.
Learn more about Climate Justice
What is Climate Justice? – Peace Issue
Protect the Earth from Climate Change – Sunhak Peace Blog
“To embrace the future,
we must expand the scope of vocations that can herald the coming of peace.
Even though we may never meet our descendants, we must make sure that all
their activities will harmonize in peaceful societies and nations.”
-Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon
Founder of Sunhak Peace Prize-
