ABSTRACT

The link between justice and climate change is becoming increasingly prominent in public debates on climate policy. This clear and concise philosophical introduction to climate justice addresses the hot topic of climate change as a moral challenge.

Using engaging everyday examples the authors address the core arguments by providing a comprehensive and balanced overview of this heated debate, enabling students and practitioners to think critically about the subject area and to promote discussion on questions such as:

  • Why do anything in the face of climate change?
  • How much do we owe our descendants – a better world, or nothing at all?
  • How should we distribute the burden of climate action between industrialized and developing countries?
  • Should I adopt a green lifestyle even if no one else makes an effort?
  • Which means of reducing emissions are permissible?
  • Should we put hope in technological solutions?
  • Should we re-design democratic institutions for more effective climate policy?

With chapter summaries, illustrative examples and suggestions for further reading, this book is an ideal introduction for students in political philosophy, applied ethics and environmental ethics, as well as for practitioners working on one of the most urgent issues of our time.

chapter 1|16 pages

Climate change as an ethical challenge

part |2 pages

PART I Do we need to do anything at all? Moral justification of the need to act

part |2 pages

PART II How much do we need to do? Intergenerational justice

chapter 5|8 pages

Equality for our descendants

chapter 6|5 pages

More for our descendants

chapter 7|5 pages

Enough for our descendants

chapter 9|8 pages

Inequality and an interim conclusion

part |2 pages

PART III How should we assign responsibility? Global justice

part |2 pages

PART IV From ethical theory to political practice