Climate change, international justice and global order

The world today faces an unprecedented climate crisis. This is not just an environmental challenge, but also a major threat to global order in the twenty-first century. One of its defining features is the sharp disconnect that exists between those responsible for causing the problem and those bearing its worst impacts, and the unwillingness of the former to take remedial action to the extent required. What is even more remarkable is the degree to which meaningful recognition and redressal of justice claims in the international climate debate have now been almost completely cast aside and relegated to the background, as was seen in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The article thus asks: can international order be sustained without meeting basic claims of climate justice? To answer this, it first goes back in time to recall how equity and justice considerations were incorporated in the original multilateral responses to climate change. It then reviews how these key elements of climate justice are reflected in the current climate regime. In examining the contrast between the past and the present, it also explores some of the other factors that have now complicated international climate justice claims. Finally, it assesses what this means from the perspective of global order and why the failure to substantively address key climate justice concerns poses significant risks to future global order and stability.