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Climate reparations are a type of requested loss and damage payments for damage and harm caused by climate change, which may include debt cancellation.[1][2][3] The term climate reparations differs from simple "loss and damage," in that it is based on the concept of reparations, that compensation holds countries accountable for historical emissions, and is an ethical and moral obligation.[4][5][2]
"The idea behind calls for loss and damage funding is that the countries that have done most to pollute the atmosphere, and grown rich doing so, should compensate," according to The New Republic.[6]
At the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council in 2019, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, cautioned that the projected levels of global warming pose 'catastrophic' risks for human rights. She further emphasized that climate change jeopardizes the enjoyment of various fundamental rights, including the rights to life, access to water and sanitation, food, health, housing, self-determination, cultural identity, and development. Furthermore the High Commissioner expressed that; human rights obligations require that states collectively cooperate toward the promotion of human rights, globally, including adequate financing from those who can best afford it. This requires climate change mitigation, adaptation, and rectification of damage.[7]
The subject of reparations must be considered, with equity, to be the center of global response. This exacts that the counties who have disproportionately created the environmental crisis must do more to compensate for the damages that has been caused, including respecting vulnerable countries. Generally, reparations are an effort to redress societal harm through the acknowledgement of wrongdoing and monetary means. Acceptance of responsibility, followed by undertakings that address the repair of injustices to society and widespread harm are key principles of reparatory justice.[7]
In the context of climate change, it would require identifying categorically any states that have contributed the highest emission intensity of greenhouse gasses in relation to the emission standards.The aim is to encourage accountability and make concessions for sustainable practices to rectify the serious damage inflicted disproportionately on low income countries.[7]
- ^ Frost, Rosie (2022-07-27). "Climate damage likely amounts to €trillions. Who owes who for what?". Euronews. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
:0was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Fecht, Sarah (2022-11-01). "Loss and Damage: What Is It, and Will There Be Progress at COP27?". State of the Planet, Columbia Climate School. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
- ^ Manke, Kara (2022-05-04). "What is the role of reparations in delivering climate justice?". Berkeley News. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:1was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Gordon, Noah (2022-10-26). "Climate Reparations Really Aren't That Radical—or Hard". The New Republic. ISSN 0028-6583. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
- ^ a b c Chapman, Audrey (December 23, 2021). "Climate Justice, Human Rights, and the Case for Reparations". Health and Human Rights. 23 (2): 81–94. PMC 8694300. PMID 34966227.