Allocation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using the Fairness Principle: A Multi-Country Analysis

Laura Rodríguez-Fernández,Ana Belén Fernández Carvajal,María Bujidos-Casado

doi:10.3390/su12145839

Laura Rodríguez-Fernández, Ana Belén Fernández Carvajal + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145839

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Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the allocation of greenhouse gas emissions based on a comparison of criteria for 66 countries and fairness-based indicators. The academic literature contains very few broad multi-country studies. The large sample of countries included in our analysis has allowed us to make a more comprehensive, holistic comparison than other studies with similar characteristics. The United States and China must make the greatest effort to fight climate change worldwide, but all countries have a responsibility, including some that are not usually analyzed in this type of research.

Highlights

Burning fossil fuels has led to an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ushered in a global energy transition [1,2,3,4], which in turn has sparked a profound and growing interest in reducing these emissions due to their devastating effect on our planet
The global agreement on climate change signed in Paris in 2015 set out a framework for limiting global warming to well below 2 ◦C compared to pre-industrial levels [5,6]
The response to this problem was in turn formalized in each state’s commitments to reduce GHG emissions in the framework of the Paris Agreement [7,8]

Summary

Introduction

Burning fossil fuels has led to an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ushered in a global energy transition [1,2,3,4], which in turn has sparked a profound and growing interest in reducing these emissions due to their devastating effect on our planet. The global agreement on climate change signed in Paris in 2015 set out a framework for limiting global warming to well below 2 ◦C compared to pre-industrial levels [5,6]. The response to this problem was in turn formalized in each state’s commitments to reduce GHG emissions in the framework of the Paris Agreement [7,8]. In Conference of the Parties, COP25, in Madrid, progress was checked against outstanding rules, an assessment of loss and damage was made as per the Warsaw International Mechanism, and commitments were made toward financial support and capacity building [12], but the decision to withdraw from the Paris accord limited the summit success

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