ABSTRACT
This concluding chapter sums up the findings from the various chapters of the book. By applying the proposed two-dimensional concept of solidarity with future generations, this book shows that there are differences between how Germany and Norway follow up their commitments to future generations in practice. These differences can be understood from the countries’ political and economic context. In both countries, the institutional bindings are weak in all policy areas, but there are variations among them. The narrowest-oriented financial restrictions have the most binding institutional constraints. There are also slow changes in the direction of more substantial legal bindings. This shows that it is possible to establish self-imposed national institutional constraints that can ensure that future generations have access to basic resources and the opportunity to shape their own lives. The gap between global obligations towards future generations and the reluctance of nation states to implement them in practice has led to several calls to introduce cosmopolitan elements into the international political system. Both national and global institutional bindings must be strengthened to show social solidarity with future generations.
