ABSTRACT
The concept of "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CDR) is receiving increasing recognition in international law. "Common" suggests that certain risks affect and are affected by every nation on earth. In general, the terms of customary international law and multilateral conventions apply universally. Lack of resources is no more a defense to transboundary pollution or trading in endangered species than it is to abusing ambassadors or practicing piracy. The stronger the version of CDR, and the more it seeks to override unbridled national self-interest and even to reshuffle wealth, the more resistance can be expected. CDR might be understood to mean that the Rich(er) at least concede the lion's share or perhaps even all of the cooperative gains to the Poor(er). The developed countries acknowledge the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit of sustainable development in view of the pressures their societies place on the global environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command.
