In fairness to current generations: lost voices in the climate debate

Notions of justice and equity, although enshrined in the Framework Convention on Climate Change, have not shaped the outcome of the subsequent negotiations to any substantial extent. These principles are relevant to various aspects of the climate debate, especially those of particular importance to developing countries. While focusing on issues with justice and equity dimensions will most likely be necessary for successful implementation of the Climate Convention, voices that speak out on such topics are often ignored or sometimes completely absent. Here we present and discuss three aspects of the climate debate - the allocation of "rights to the atmosphere," liability for climate-related impacts, and the needs of those who do not contribute significantly to climate change - that are of substantial importance for countries of the South. We believe that an increased attention to such issues, and their incorporation into the climate deliberations, is important for a robust climate regime. To do so will require, both, attention on the part of scientists, other analysts, and policy-makers as well as strengthening the capacity for marginalized groups to speak up. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.