Introduction

This chapter introduces this book. The chapter introduces the topic and policy relevance of loss and damage. It argues that there are a number of gaps for the development and justification of a policy mechanism to address loss and damage that this book address: a definition of what counts as loss and damage and a categorization of its different forms and associated measures, an account of how to identify loss and damage from climate change and the justification of principle to distribute the burdens of addressing loss and damage and thus identify duty-bearers. In addition, the chapter introduces the philosophical methodology of this book. Finally, it introduces and justifies the two main assumptions operating as background in this book: the idea that states are duty-bearers of climate justice and a sufficientarian background account of distributive justice.