In fairness to current generations: lost voices in the climate debate

Notions of justice and equity, although enshrined in the Framework Conventi on on Climate Change, have not shaped the outcome of the subsequent negotia tions to any substantial extent. These principles are relevant to various a spects of the climate debate, especially those of particular importance to developing countries. While focusing on issues with justice and equity dime nsions will most likely be necessary for successful implementation of the C limate Convention, voices that speak out on such topics are often ignored o r sometimes completely absent. Here we present and discuss three aspects of the climate debate - the allocation of "rights to the atmosphere," liabili ty for climate-related impacts, and the needs of those who do not contribut e significantly to climate change - that are of substantial importance for countries of the South. We believe that an increased attention to such issu es, and their incorporation into the climate deliberations, is important fo r a robust climate regime. To do so will require, both, attention on the pa rt of scientists, other analysts, and policy-makers as well as strengthenin g the capacity for marginalized groups to speak up. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.