Climate Equity
Working toward an equitable and ambitious international climate agreement in 2015 that is informed by science, considers the specific needs of the most vulnerable populations, and catalyzes sustainable development.
For more than two decades, equity has been a central concern for international and national climate policy. Climate change poses the greatest threat to those that are the least responsible – generally people that are already vulnerable to deep-rooted challenges such as poverty. Conversely, those who have contributed the most to climate change have much better capacity to protect themselves from its impacts. As the effects of climate change mount, so does the urgency of addressing this equity challenge.
WRI works at the intersection of equity, climate and development, approaching equity in a holistic manner, that focuses not only on dividing the burden of responding to the threat of climate change but also sharing the opportunities and benefits climate action presents. WRI’s Climate Equity program encourages considerations of equity within the negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and, in recognizing that equity challenges are presented both between and within countries, works to as identify opportunities for enhanced synergies between climate action and development needs and priorities of countries, communities and individuals.
WRI believes that a vision of climate equity capable of enhancing capabilities is both necessary to drive long-term transformation and possible with careful policy design internationally and domestically.
United in the need for a strong response to the climate crisis, a diverse group of leaders and advocates issued a Declaration on Climate Justice. The Declaration calls on world leaders to take bold action on climate change and create a future that is fair for all.
As part of its goal of achieving climate justice, the Declaration outlines five priority pathways that must be realized:
- Giving voice: The world will only succeed in adequately tackling climate change if we give voice to those most affected by climate change, listen to their solutions and empower them to act.
- A new way to grow: Ensuring we adequately reduce emissions means transforming our economic system to one based on low-carbon production and consumption that can create inclusive sustainable development and reduce inequality.
- Investing in the future: A new investment model is required to deal with the risks posed by climate change both now and in the future. Policy certainty is essential for investment in sustainable alternatives.
- Commitment and Accountability: Achieving climate justice requires that broader issues of inequality and weak governance are addressed both within countries and at a global level. Accountability is key.
- Rule of law: Strong legal frameworks are vital to ensure transparency, credibility, longevity and effective enforcement of climate and related policies. They also need to evolve to protect the most vulnerable as weather patterns change.