The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in the international climate regime

In the area of international environmental agreements, the field of climate change provides the best illustration of the application of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. However, it also reveals the difficulties raised by its application. Justice, equity and common but differentiated responsibilities can be claimed by all Parties, sometimes with diametrically-opposed goals. Since the adoption of the Framework Convention (1992) and the Kyoto Protocol (1997), the structure of global carbon emissions has changed considerably, in particular as a result of increased emissions from China. The principle, used as a shield by some and as a foil by others, is currently referred to frequently in difficult "post-2012" and "post 2020" negotiations, and its role is gradually changing.