Climate Justice: Who Should Pay for Climate Change?

Abstract

Climate change is a global crisis that demands collective action, but its effects and responsibilities are deeply unequal. This paper explores the multifaceted dimensions of climate justice, particularly focusing on the ethical, legal, historical, and economic frameworks that underpin climate finance. It addresses the pivotal question of who should pay for climate change by evaluating the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), examining the role of developed and developing countries, scrutinizing international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, and proposing strategies for equitable and sustainable climate financing. The paper concludes that climate justice cannot be achieved without a rethinking of global responsibilities and a robust mechanism for climate finance that centers fairness and historical accountability.