DEVE - Revision history

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Laurateixeira at 20:09, 19 June 2017

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 The '''EU’s stance''' on climate justice is that financial support to developing countries should be based on '''"low carbon development strategies"''' developed by them. These should set out which measures a country can take without additional financial and technical assistance. The [[European Commission]] also proposes that developed countries can contribute via the use of '''carbon crediting mechanisms and public funding'''. Public financial contributions should be based on emission levels and each country’s economic capability<ref>"Climate action", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/cooperation_en</ref>.
-In terms of International Cooperation, in order to achieve the [[UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development|UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development]] the first step is the '''mapping exercise of external policies'''. It also needs to identify the real gaps that exist between current external policies and the future ones. For this, the EU needs to make civil society organisations in third countries '''real partners in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.''' The [[European Commission]] has drafted a [http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/swd-key-european-actions-2030-agenda-sdgs-390-20161122_en.pdf document] establishing the '''priorities, policies, funds and other actions''' cover all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This document assures they provide a '''significant contribution''' to the implementation of the SDGs, both within the EU and through EU external action. The EU has created and supported internal and international projects and funds to help climate vulnerable countries and to support alternative energy development, but can it '''use its soft powers to influence major emerging economic powers to follow the same path'''?
+In terms of International Cooperation, in order to achieve the [[UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development|UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development]] the first step is the '''mapping exercise of external policies'''. It also needs to identify the real gaps that exist between current external policies and the future ones. For this, the EU needs to make civil society organisations in third countries '''real partners in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.''' The [[European Commission]] has drafted a [http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/swd-key-european-actions-2030-agenda-sdgs-390-20161122_en.pdf document] establishing the '''priorities, policies, funds and other actions''' cover all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This document assures they provide a '''significant contribution''' to the implementation of the SDGs, both within the EU and through EU external action.
-The supreme decision-making body of the [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)|UNFCCC]] - the [[Conference of the Parties|COP]] - has representantives of all the countries that are part of the Convention and is the biggest annual meeting to debate climate change. '''COP 22''' took place in 2016 and marked the transition from the main discussion being developing the [[Paris Agreement]] to how to better implement it. '''COP 23''' will take place in November 2018 and will for sure debate the best '''international approach''' to dealing with the opting out of the [[Paris Agreement]] by the United States of America and the '''future of the Agreement'''. What should the EU's stance be in COP 23?
+The supreme decision-making body of the [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)|UNFCCC]] - the '''[[Conference of the Parties|COP]]''' - has representantives of all the countries that are part of the Convention and is the biggest annual meeting to debate climate change. '''COP 22''' took place in 2016 and marked the transition from the main discussion being developing the [[Paris Agreement]] to how to better implement it. '''COP 23''' will take place in November 2018 and will for sure debate the best '''international approach''' to dealing with the opting out of the [[Paris Agreement]] by the United States of America and the '''future of the Agreement'''. What should the EU's stance be in COP 23?

@@ Line 74: / Line 74: @@
 The '''EU’s stance''' on climate justice is that financial support to developing countries should be based on '''"low carbon development strategies"''' developed by them. These should set out which measures a country can take without additional financial and technical assistance. The [[European Commission]] also proposes that developed countries can contribute via the use of '''carbon crediting mechanisms and public funding'''. Public financial contributions should be based on emission levels and each country’s economic capability<ref>"Climate action", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/cooperation_en</ref>.
-In terms of International Cooperation, in order to achieve the [[UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development|UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development]] the first step is the '''mapping exercise of external policies'''. It also needs to identify the real gaps that exist between current external policies and the future ones. The future ones should include in a balanced and fair way, the economic, social and environmental pillars of the 2030 Agenda. For this, the EU needs to make civil society organisations in third countries '''real partners in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.''' The [[European Commission]] has drafted a [http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/swd-key-european-actions-2030-agenda-sdgs-390-20161122_en.pdf document] establishing the '''priorities, policies, funds and other actions''' cover all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This document assures they provide a '''significant contribution''' to the implementation of the SDGs, both within the EU and through EU external action. The EU has created and supported internal and international projects and funds to help climate vulnerable countries and to support alternative energy development, but can it '''use its soft powers to influence major emerging economic powers to follow the same path'''?
+In terms of International Cooperation, in order to achieve the [[UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development|UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development]] the first step is the '''mapping exercise of external policies'''. It also needs to identify the real gaps that exist between current external policies and the future ones. For this, the EU needs to make civil society organisations in third countries '''real partners in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.''' The [[European Commission]] has drafted a [http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/swd-key-european-actions-2030-agenda-sdgs-390-20161122_en.pdf document] establishing the '''priorities, policies, funds and other actions''' cover all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This document assures they provide a '''significant contribution''' to the implementation of the SDGs, both within the EU and through EU external action. The EU has created and supported internal and international projects and funds to help climate vulnerable countries and to support alternative energy development, but can it '''use its soft powers to influence major emerging economic powers to follow the same path'''?
 The supreme decision-making body of the [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)|UNFCCC]] - the [[Conference of the Parties|COP]] - has representantives of all the countries that are part of the Convention and is the biggest annual meeting to debate climate change. '''COP 22''' took place in 2016 and marked the transition from the main discussion being developing the [[Paris Agreement]] to how to better implement it. '''COP 23''' will take place in November 2018 and will for sure debate the best '''international approach''' to dealing with the opting out of the [[Paris Agreement]] by the United States of America and the '''future of the Agreement'''. What should the EU's stance be in COP 23?

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:34, 19 June 2017
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	The [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change\|UNFCCC]] also has an operating entity of the financial mechanism on an ongoing basis - '''The Global Environment Facility'''. This entity also '''manages two special funds''' established by the Parties: the '''Special Climate Change Fund'''; and the '''Least Developed Country Fund'''.<ref>"The Global Environmental Facility", retrieved from: http://www.thegef.org/about-us</ref> The EU is the largest contributor of climate financing and it still aims to scale up climate financing with the goal of 20% of its budget being spent on climate action by 2020. <ref>Article “Financing Adaptation”, retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/financing_en</ref>		The [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change\|UNFCCC]] also has an operating entity of the financial mechanism on an ongoing basis - '''The Global Environment Facility'''. This entity also '''manages two special funds''' established by the Parties: the '''Special Climate Change Fund'''; and the '''Least Developed Country Fund'''.<ref>"The Global Environmental Facility", retrieved from: http://www.thegef.org/about-us</ref> The EU is the largest contributor of climate financing and it still aims to scale up climate financing with the goal of 20% of its budget being spent on climate action by 2020. <ref>Article “Financing Adaptation”, retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/financing_en</ref>
−
−	While emphasising the importance of monetary aid to the most affected countries by climate change, a number of international organisations are actively engaged in administering and/or operating climate change funds, including the '''United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)''', the '''United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)''', and the '''United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN-ISDR)'''. Also, a number of multilateral development banks have set up dedicated funds to address climate change.

	In terms of international cooperation, the EU has set policies, legislation and initiatives for more efficient use of less polluting energy, cleaner and more balanced transport options, more environmentally friendly land-use and agriculture, more sustainable cities, more climate-resilient communities and fewer emissions from all sectors of our economy.<ref>"Adaptation to climate change", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation_en</ref>		In terms of international cooperation, the EU has set policies, legislation and initiatives for more efficient use of less polluting energy, cleaner and more balanced transport options, more environmentally friendly land-use and agriculture, more sustainable cities, more climate-resilient communities and fewer emissions from all sectors of our economy.<ref>"Adaptation to climate change", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation_en</ref>

@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 Sustainable Development is defined as the development that assists the '''needs of today''' without compromising the ability of the '''future generations''' to meet their needs. This definition is based on two key concepts – the '''needs''' of the poor and those who cannot provide for basic living standards by themselves; and the '''limitations''' to meet those needs as a result of the environment, the political and social circumstances, and technologic advances. Sustainability policies in the field of climate change need to be centred on the principles of equity and future justice.
-The actual objective of the sustainable development concept is to achieve balanced economic, social and environmental development for both developed and developing countries. Therefore, it should be addressed as a global problem that includes more than just economic growth. The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) noted in its March 2009 study on climate change and human rights.<ref>[https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement], “Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the relationship between climate change and human rights”, retrieved from: https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement.</ref> that climate change can only be effectively addressed through '''international cooperation''', as it affects disproportionately poorer countries with the weakest ability to protect their citizens. It also highlites States’ obligations under international human rights law and the '''[[right to development]]''', proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) in the Declaration on the Right to Development, to protect individuals whose rights are affected by the impact of climate change or by policies that address climate change. Yet, so far, '''international cooperation has been unsuccessful in solving the climate change issue'''.
+The actual objective of the sustainable development concept is to achieve balanced economic, social and environmental development for both developed and developing countries. Therefore, it should be addressed as a global problem that includes more than just economic growth. The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) noted in its March 2009 study on climate change and human rights.<ref>[https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement], “Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the relationship between climate change and human rights”, retrieved from: https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement.</ref> that climate change can only be effectively addressed through '''international cooperation''', as it affects disproportionately poorer countries with the weakest ability to protect their citizens. It also highlites States’ obligations under international human rights law and the '''[[right to development]]''', proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) in the Declaration on the Right to Development, to protect individuals whose rights are affected by the impact of climate change or by policies that address climate change.
 It is also important to take into account the '''historical responsibility''' that arises due to the disproportion of both GHG emissions, that are and were historically mostly emitted by developed countries; and the fact that most of the consequences are felt by developing nations. Even though climate change has a global impact and it will affect the lives of everyone, developing countries are mostly targeted because of differential factors such as income, race, class, gender, capital and political representation. Thus, following on the '''right to development''' arises the concept of '''[[climate justice]]''' and of '''common but differentiated responsibilities''', which is central to the climate change regime.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:27, 19 June 2017
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−	The idea that climate change is solely an environmental issue misses the bigger picture - '''climate change represents and perpetuates power imbalances across the world'''. The industrialised nations of the Global north emit about '''80%''' of global GHGs<ref>"Climate change is not just an environmental issue – it’s about justice", retrieved from: https://europa.eu/eyd2015/en/friends-earth-europe/posts/climate-change-human-rights</ref>, while developing nations from the Global south face the worst impacts. In fact, global warming poses a threat to the survival of some vulnerable southern countries - rising sea levels will contaminate the drinking water, damage the agriculture and infrastructure, and threaten biodiversity in the coastal areas, making them uninhabitable. It is even predicted that entire cities, such as Rotterdam and Sydney could flood. Similarly, some islands in Africa, Asia and South America are facing the risk of disappearing under water~~. The regions that will be most affected by the rising sea levels are east, south east and south Asia~~.<ref>"Sea-Level Rise and Impacts in Africa, 2000 to 2100. Application of the DIVA model to Africa.", retrieved from: https://www.weadapt.org/knowledge-base/economics-of-adaptation/impacts-of-sea-level-rise-in-africa</ref>	+	The idea that climate change is solely an environmental issue misses the bigger picture - '''climate change represents and perpetuates power imbalances across the world'''. The industrialised nations of the Global north emit about '''80%''' of global GHGs<ref>"Climate change is not just an environmental issue – it’s about justice", retrieved from: https://europa.eu/eyd2015/en/friends-earth-europe/posts/climate-change-human-rights</ref>, while developing nations from the Global south face the worst impacts. In fact, global warming poses a threat to the survival of some vulnerable southern countries - rising sea levels will contaminate the drinking water, damage the agriculture and infrastructure, and threaten biodiversity in the coastal areas, making them uninhabitable. It is even predicted that entire cities, such as Rotterdam and Sydney could flood. Similarly, some islands in Africa, Asia and South America are facing the risk of disappearing under water.<ref>"Sea-Level Rise and Impacts in Africa, 2000 to 2100. Application of the DIVA model to Africa.", retrieved from: https://www.weadapt.org/knowledge-base/economics-of-adaptation/impacts-of-sea-level-rise-in-africa</ref>

	So, the debate centres on the obligation of industrialised states - due to '''historical responsibility''' - and international organisations to provide development assistance to developing countries and to invest in energy, proportionate to what they emit and use. On the one hand we have "the West", mainly responsible historically for emitting the most GHGs. Even though they share a set of common values, when it comes to climate justice, the ideas and policies of the EU and the USA vary widely. In 2015, USA's GHGs totaled 6,587 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents making it the second largest GHG’s emitter. <ref>Article “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks”, retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks</ref> Moreover, the current Trump administration supports the fossil fuel industry and has recently '''dropped out of the Paris Agreement''', which could severely weaken the US’ environmental policy and thereby also the '''chances of mitigating the effects of climate change.'''		So, the debate centres on the obligation of industrialised states - due to '''historical responsibility''' - and international organisations to provide development assistance to developing countries and to invest in energy, proportionate to what they emit and use. On the one hand we have "the West", mainly responsible historically for emitting the most GHGs. Even though they share a set of common values, when it comes to climate justice, the ideas and policies of the EU and the USA vary widely. In 2015, USA's GHGs totaled 6,587 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents making it the second largest GHG’s emitter. <ref>Article “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks”, retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks</ref> Moreover, the current Trump administration supports the fossil fuel industry and has recently '''dropped out of the Paris Agreement''', which could severely weaken the US’ environmental policy and thereby also the '''chances of mitigating the effects of climate change.'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:24, 19 June 2017
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−	'''Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions''' have increased dramatically, primarily due to the use of fossil fuels, thus causing an increase in Earth’s average temperature. The impact of this unprecedented warming – including floods, droughts, rising sea levels, spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever – are to be more severe and imminent than previously believed and threaten fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, health, water, food, shelter, work and self-determination. In fact, vulnerable groups, including women - which account for 80% of global climate refugees -, children, disabled and indigenous peoples, are particularly at risk.	+	'''Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions''' have increased dramatically, primarily due to the use of fossil fuels, thus causing an increase in Earth’s average temperature. The impact of this unprecedented warming – including floods, droughts, rising sea levels, spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever – are to be more severe and imminent than previously believed and threaten fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, health, water, food, shelter, work and self-determination. In fact, '''vulnerable groups''', including women - which account for 80% of global climate refugees -, children, disabled and indigenous peoples, are '''particularly at risk'''.

	Sustainable Development is defined as the development that assists the '''needs of today''' without compromising the ability of the '''future generations''' to meet their needs. This definition is based on two key concepts – the '''needs''' of the poor and those who cannot provide for basic living standards by themselves; and the '''limitations''' to meet those needs as a result of the environment, the political and social circumstances, and technologic advances. Sustainability policies in the field of climate change need to be centred on the principles of equity and future justice.		Sustainable Development is defined as the development that assists the '''needs of today''' without compromising the ability of the '''future generations''' to meet their needs. This definition is based on two key concepts – the '''needs''' of the poor and those who cannot provide for basic living standards by themselves; and the '''limitations''' to meet those needs as a result of the environment, the political and social circumstances, and technologic advances. Sustainability policies in the field of climate change need to be centred on the principles of equity and future justice.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:23, 19 June 2017
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	Nevertheless, predictions are still that '''temperature will rise 2,7ºC by 2100'''<ref>Article “COP21: What does the Paris climate agreement mean for me?”, retrieved from: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35092127 </ref> even if all the Paris Agreement conditions are met, which calls for further measures. It also raises the question whether a global power shift in which fossil fuels would no longer be the cheaper fuel is the only way the global climate change threat could be tackled effectively.		Nevertheless, predictions are still that '''temperature will rise 2,7ºC by 2100'''<ref>Article “COP21: What does the Paris climate agreement mean for me?”, retrieved from: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35092127 </ref> even if all the Paris Agreement conditions are met, which calls for further measures. It also raises the question whether a global power shift in which fossil fuels would no longer be the cheaper fuel is the only way the global climate change threat could be tackled effectively.

−	When it comes to international aid to help those who suffer from the consequences of climate change, another problem emerges. The UN has recognised the category of '''environmental and climate refugees'''. In 2009, 36 million people were displaced by natural disasters. This number is predicted to rise to at least 50 million by 2050. In spite of that, environmental refugees are not protected by international law or asylum systems. The criteria by which refugees are classified is based on the [http://www.unhcr.org/1951-refugee-convention.html 1951 Refugee Convention] and defines a refugee as a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis “of race religion, nationality,” or “membership of a particular social or political group,” has fled their homeland. For this reason, climate refugees are generally denied protection under the existing international framework.<ref>"Climate Refugees: Exposing the Protection Gap in International Law", retrieved from: http://climate.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Kamali-Climate-Refugees.pdf</ref> Thus, international action towards broadening the scope of the term "refugee" seems like a logical solution to the protection gap.	+	When it comes to international aid to help those who suffer from the consequences of climate change, another problem emerges. The UN has recognised the category of '''environmental and climate refugees'''. In 2009, 36 million people were displaced by natural disasters. This number is predicted to rise to at least 50 million by 2050. In spite of that, environmental refugees are not protected by international law or asylum systems. The criteria by which refugees are classified is based on the [http://www.unhcr.org/1951-refugee-convention.html 1951 Refugee Convention] and defines a refugee as a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis “of race religion, nationality,” or “membership of a particular social or political group,” has fled their homeland. For this reason, '''climate refugees are generally denied protection under the existing international framework.'''<ref>"Climate Refugees: Exposing the Protection Gap in International Law", retrieved from: http://climate.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Kamali-Climate-Refugees.pdf</ref> Thus, international action towards '''broadening the scope of the term "refugee"''' seems like a logical solution to the protection gap.

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
-In August 2013 floods inundated up to one fifth of Pakistan and affected an estimated 20 million people.<ref>"5 natural disasters that beg for climate action", retrieved from: https://www.oxfam.org/en/campaigns/5-natural-disasters-beg-climate-action#</ref> In 2014, at least 14 extreme weather events were caused by human-induced climate change, including a deadly snowstorm in Nepal and a heat wave in Argentina that crashed power supplies. <ref>"Half of Weather Disasters Linked to Climate Change", retrieved from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/11/151105-climate-weather-disasters-drought-storms/</ref> Climate change is affecting the life of millions, thereby threatening basic human rights. Coordinated and efficient International Cooperation are key to minimize human influence on climate, as well as to help developing countries - who are affected the most by climate change - to deal with the economical and social damage. How can the EU contribute to this global cause that calls for international solidarity and cooperation as never witnessed before in history?
+In August 2013 floods inundated up to one-fifth of Pakistan and affected an estimated 20 million people.<ref>"5 natural disasters that beg for climate action", retrieved from: https://www.oxfam.org/en/campaigns/5-natural-disasters-beg-climate-action#</ref> In 2014, at least 14 extreme weather events were caused by human-induced climate change, including a deadly snowstorm in Nepal and a heat wave in Argentina that crashed power supplies. <ref>"Half of Weather Disasters Linked to Climate Change", retrieved from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/11/151105-climate-weather-disasters-drought-storms/</ref> Climate change is affecting the life of millions, thereby threatening basic human rights. Coordinated and efficient International Cooperation are key to minimize human influence on climate, as well as to help developing countries - who are affected the most by climate change - to deal with the economical and social damage. How can the EU contribute to this global cause that calls for international solidarity and cooperation as never witnessed before in history?
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
-'''Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions''' have increased dramatically, primarily due to the use of fossil fuels, thus  causing an increase in Earth’s average temperature. The impact of this unprecedented warming – including floods, droughts, rising sea levels, spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever – are to be more severe and imminent than previously believed and threaten fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, health, water, food, shelter, work and self-determination. In fact, vulnerable groups, including women - which account 80% of global climate refugees -, children, disabled and indigenous peoples, are particularly at risk.
+'''Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions''' have increased dramatically, primarily due to the use of fossil fuels, thus  causing an increase in Earth’s average temperature. The impact of this unprecedented warming – including floods, droughts, rising sea levels, spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever – are to be more severe and imminent than previously believed and threaten fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, health, water, food, shelter, work and self-determination. In fact, vulnerable groups, including women - which account for 80% of global climate refugees -, children, disabled and indigenous peoples, are particularly at risk.
-Sustainable Development is defined as the development that assists the '''needs of today''' without compromising the ability of the '''future generations''' to meet their needs. This definition is based on two key concepts – the '''needs''' of the poor and those who can not provide for basic living standards by themselves; and the '''limitations''' to meet those needs as a result of the environment, political and social circumstances and technologic advances. Sustainability policies in the field of climate change need to be centred on the principles of equity and future justice.
+Sustainable Development is defined as the development that assists the '''needs of today''' without compromising the ability of the '''future generations''' to meet their needs. This definition is based on two key concepts – the '''needs''' of the poor and those who cannot provide for basic living standards by themselves; and the '''limitations''' to meet those needs as a result of the environment, the political and social circumstances, and technologic advances. Sustainability policies in the field of climate change need to be centred on the principles of equity and future justice.
-The actual objective of the sustainable development concept is balanced economic, social and environmental development for both developed and developing countries and should be addressed as a global problem that includes much more variables than economic growth. The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), in its March 2009 study on climate change and human rights.<ref>[https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement], “Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the relationship between climate change and human rights”, retrieved from: https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement.</ref> noted that climate change can only be effectively addressed through '''international cooperation''', as it affects disproportionately poorer countries with the weakest ability to protect their citizens. It also emphasizes States’ obligations under international human rights law and the '''[[right to development]]''', proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) in the Declaration on the Right to Development, to protect individuals whose rights are affected by the impacts of climate change or by policies to address climate change. Yet, so far, '''governments and international cooperation have been unsuccessful in solving the climate change issue.'''
+The actual objective of the sustainable development concept is to achieve balanced economic, social and environmental development for both developed and developing countries. Therefore, it should be addressed as a global problem that includes more than just economic growth. The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) noted in its March 2009 study on climate change and human rights.<ref>[https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement], “Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the relationship between climate change and human rights”, retrieved from: https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement.</ref> that climate change can only be effectively addressed through '''international cooperation''', as it affects disproportionately poorer countries with the weakest ability to protect their citizens. It also highlites States’ obligations under international human rights law and the '''[[right to development]]''', proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) in the Declaration on the Right to Development, to protect individuals whose rights are affected by the impact of climate change or by policies that address climate change. Yet, so far, '''international cooperation has been unsuccessful in solving the climate change issue''', since the predictions are still that the earth's average temperature will rise above the 2ºC threshold set as the limit by the Paris Agreement and the devastating consequences of climate change continue to show.
-It is also important to take into account the '''historycal responsability''' that arises due to the disproportion of both GHG emissions, that are and were historically mostly emitted by developed countries, and the fact that most of the consequences are being undertaken by developing nations. Even though climate change affects every country and will impact the lives of everyone, developing countries are mostly affected because of differential factors such as income, race, class, gender, capital and political representation. Thus, following on the '''[[right to development]]''' arises the concept of '''[[climate justice]]''' and of '''common but differentiated responsibilities''', which is central to the climate change regime.
+It is also important to take into account the '''historical responsibility''' that arises due to the disproportion of both GHG emissions, that are and were historically mostly emitted by developed countries; and the fact that most of the consequences are felt by developing nations. Even though climate change has a global impact and it will affect the lives of everyone, developing countries are mostly targeted because of differential factors such as income, race, class, gender, capital and political representation. Thus, following on the '''right to development''' arises the concept of '''[[climate justice]]''' and of '''common but differentiated responsibilities''', which is central to the climate change regime.