Climate injustice and climate debts : estimating responsibility for climate change

Abstract

Examines the relationship between climate injustice and climate debts, proposing a methodology to estimate countries’ historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions and suggesting pathways to compensate for their unequal impacts. The study shows that developed countries, especially G7 members, have significantly exceeded their fair carbon budgets, while poorer and tropical countries—responsible for fewer emissions—suffer the most severe consequences of climate change. The report highlights that climate debts can be addressed through investments in low-carbon infrastructure, adaptation policies, deforestation reduction, and international financing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Amazon Fund, aiming to promote climate justice, reduce inequalities, and foster a sustainable development model.