ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that there have been some important research efforts by economists towards a consistent analysis of equity and that the developed apparatus can be applied profitably to fairness concerns in climate change. It describes a small number of general equity criteria and explores their consequences for the allocation of emission reductions and associated costs in a climate protection regime. The chapter discusses some of the approaches towards equity which have received particular attention in the report of the International Panel on Climate Change and considers some common proposals for a just distribution of emission reduction burdens. A systematic presentation of the different proposals for a just distribution of climate protection measures is simplified if one separates the question of a just distribution of emission rights from the question of financial transfers. Starting from some general criteria for an equitable solution, a precise proposal has been developed for allocating emissions and abatement costs in a climate protection regime.
