Why is Climate Change an Ethical Issue?
- Climate change is not just an environmental or technological issue—it raises profound questions of justice, equity, and responsibility.
- It affects human rights, particularly the rights to life, food, health, and shelter, often disproportionately across regions and communities.
Major Ethical Issues Associated with Climate Change:
1. Disproportionate Impact on the Global South
- Developing countries, particularly in Africa, South Asia, and island nations, are least responsible for emissions but most vulnerable to climate disasters.
- Example: India contributes only ~4% to historical emissions but faces recurring floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
- IPCC reports affirm that lower-income regions have fewer resources for adaptation and face more extreme climate consequences.
2. Climate Migration and Displacement
- Climate-induced disasters are causing mass displacements and “climate refugees”, with impacts on dignity, identity, and livelihood.
- Example: Rising sea levels threaten the very existence of Maldives, Tuvalu, and Sundarbans, displacing thousands.
- UNHCR (2022): Over 5 million people displaced annually by climate-related disasters since 2008.
3. Unequal Historical Responsibility
- Industrialized countries (e.g., USA, EU nations) have emitted the majority of historical greenhouse gases.
- Data: The US alone has contributed over 25% of cumulative CO₂ emissions since 1750.
- However, climate risks (droughts, floods, extreme heat) are felt globally, often without proportional mitigation support.
4. Climate Justice for Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous communities are custodians of biodiversity-rich ecosystems but are among the most affected by climate disruptions.
- Example: Forest-dwelling tribes in India face threats from shifting rainfall and resource depletion.
- Climate policies often ignore their rights, traditions, and consent in conservation and adaptation plans.
5. Technological and Energy Access Inequality
- Green technologies (e.g., solar, wind, EVs) are concentrated in developed nations, while poorer countries lack funding and R&D access.
- Example: Africa has 60% of the world’s solar potential but receives only ~3% of global renewable energy investments.
- This deepens the digital and energy divide, making global transitions unjust.
Global Ethical Framework: UNESCO Declaration on Ethical Principles in Relation to Climate Change:
Adopted to guide equitable climate action globally, the declaration outlines the following core principles:
| Principle | Ethical Rationale |
| Prevention of Harm | Policies must anticipate and prevent environmental damage proactively. |
| Precautionary Approach | Action shouldn’t wait for complete scientific certainty if risks are evident. |
| Equity and Justice | Fair distribution of climate burdens and benefits, especially for vulnerable communities. |
| Sustainable Development | Ensuring long-term ecological balance while supporting just and inclusive growth. |
| Solidarity | Collective global support for LDCs and SIDS suffering the most. |
| Scientific Integrity | Decisions must be evidence-based, using the best available climate science. |
India’s Ethical Approach to Climate Action:
- Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR): India upholds this principle in international climate negotiations (e.g., Paris Agreement).
- Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Mission: Promotes sustainable living as a citizen-driven climate action model.
- National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC): ₹1,000+ crore sanctioned to build adaptive capacity in vulnerable regions.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): India-led initiative promoting clean energy equity across 100+ member countries.
Way Forward: Ensuring Ethical Climate Governance:
- Climate Financing: Developed nations must honour their $100 billion/year pledge to assist developing countries.
- Inclusive Decision-Making: Indigenous, tribal, and marginalized communities must have a voice in climate planning.
- Technology Sharing: Equitable access to climate-resilient and low-carbon technologies must be facilitated.
- Global Cooperation: Climate action must prioritize solidarity over self-interest, with shared accountability.
Climate change is a deeply ethical challenge that requires a just transition balancing environmental goals with human dignity, equity, and global solidarity. Only through ethical climate governance can we ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for all.
