In our final session, we will delve deep into the realm of ethics and equity in the context of climate change. This is a complex subject that forces us to confront the difficult questions about fairness, justice, and moral responsibility that climate change poses.
We will explore questions such as: How should the burden of addressing climate change be distributed among countries? Does a country with high greenhouse gas emissions have a greater responsibility to combat climate change than a country with lower emissions but higher vulnerability? How does one navigate these complex ethical terrains?
A critical aspect of our discussion will be the 'Just Transition' – a concept which seeks to minimize the impact of environmental policies on those most vulnerable. For instance, when a coal mine shuts down to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, what happens to the miners who depend on those jobs? How can the transition be made fair and equitable?
Case Study: Just Transition in India's Coal Regions
We will focus our case study on India, as we face significant challenge in balancing its development goals with the need to transition to a greener economy. With its heavy reliance on coal for energy, India is home to numerous coal-dependent communities.
This case study will provide a detailed look into the struggles faced by the communities in India's coal-rich regions of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. As India aims to transition to cleaner energy sources, the well-being of these communities hangs in the balance. We'll examine how the Indian government and private sector are navigating this transition, aiming to reduce emissions while ensuring the livelihoods and welfare of these coal-dependent communities are not compromised
Readings:
Climate Change and Social Inequality - UN,
Ethical and Social Dimensions of Climate Change - UNESCO<