ABSTRACT
The legal regime governing climate change is unique in that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) explicitly embodies a set of principles that should guide states in implementing the provisions in it. The inter-generational equity principle implicates future generations; because climate change has locked in at least the next two generations in the consequences of climate change, their human rights will be violated by actions of the present generation. Sustainable development emerged as a counter-response to the existing economic development paradigm and also sought to address the North-South polarization that emerged after the Stockholm Conference. Equity is regarded as a general principle of international law, although it has very diverse functions and meanings. This polarization led to the appointment of the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) by the UN General Assembly. The principles of equity, integration and the sustainable use of natural resources are considered the substantive components of sustainable development.
