ABSTRACT
The inherent complexity of the UN-led climate change regime is often compounded by the diverse interests and values of its Parties. Since the inception of the UNFCCC, the intergovernmental process has wrestled with the issue of equity in sharing the burden of emissions among developed and developing Parties. The current international efforts to address the climate challenge are guided by the principles of common but differentiated responsibility and historical responsibility, whereby Parties are divided into Annex-I and Non-Annex-I. However, the changes in the economic landscape and the rapid increase in GHG emissions by advanced developing countries—notably China and India—during the last twenty years or so poses a challenge to the current scheme. This has been a polarizing issue with some arguing that advanced developing countries should take on legally binding emissions reductions akin to those of Annex-I countries, whereas developing Parties have consistently showed reluctance for internationally negotiated emissions targets as they interpret it as constricting economic growth.
