Equity in Long-Term Mitigation

Abstract It is well known that there are significant fault lines between different nations on contentious issues at the global climate change negotiations. There are a number of issues which characterize these fault lines, but it is equity in long-term mitigation action that is the subject of this chapter. We discuss here the nature of the debate on equity and its historical evolution, as well as the relevance of different approaches to operationalizing equity within and beyond the framework of the Paris Agreement. Specific proposals for operationalizing equity are critically reviewed both in terms of their adherence to the developments in climate science and the extent to which they focus on and include metrics of equity. Given the developments in global climate policy since the Paris Agreement, we also present an argument for the need for continued efforts in operationalizing equity in all aspects of climate action.