Socially Just Triple-Wins? A Framework for Evaluating the Social Justice Implications of Climate Compatible Development

Benjamin Wood,Lindsay Stringer,Andrew Dougill,Claire Quinn

doi:10.3390/su10010211

Abstract

Climate compatible development (CCD) aims to help people improve their lives in the face of climate threats without exacerbating these threats for current and future generations. It is proving an attractive concept to both academics and practitioners. However, the social justice implications of CCD have not yet been comprehensively explored and an absence of adequate evaluation frameworks has led to multiple, legitimate cross-scalar social justice claims being marginalised. This article develops a framework to guide holistic social justice evaluation of CCD initiatives across levels and scales. Underpinning this framework is a social justice approach that embraces particularism, pluralism and procedural justice. Drawing on existing research, the framework is used to explore the implications of the Clean Development Mechanism for recognition, participation and distribution in the Least Developed Countries. Findings show that achieving social justice through CCD is not a given; rather, the social justice implications of CCD differ within and between levels and scales. We conclude by suggesting ways in which our framework can be applied to augment knowledge on CCD. Understanding the processes through which social justices and injustices are created is integral to considerations of whether and how CCD should be used to underpin a new development landscape.

Highlights

Climate change mitigation, adaptation and development can have significant consequences for one another [1]
With efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals intensifying since their agreement in 2015 and the operationalisation of the 2015 Paris Agreement, consensus is emerging that development, mitigation and adaptation are usefully addressed using a joined-up approach [2,3]
Seeking “triple-wins” across development, mitigation and adaptation, climate compatible development (CCD) is defined as “development that minimises the harm caused by climate impacts, while maximising the many human development opportunities presented by a low emissions, more resilient future” [5]

Summary

Introduction

Adaptation and development can have significant consequences for one another [1]. With efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals intensifying since their agreement in 2015 and the operationalisation of the 2015 Paris Agreement, consensus is emerging that development, mitigation and adaptation are usefully addressed using a joined-up approach [2,3]. Such integration can increase harmonisation, reduce conflicts and help harness co-benefits for each component [4]. The concept has momentum and is fast becoming mainstreamed within the climate change and development lexicon [6]

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion