What is my responsibility for climate change?

 You might be wondering what your personal responsibility for climate change and solving the climate crisis is. In my experience, people tend to think in extremes. Some think that others have to change their behavior before they want to act. Others get overwhelmed by thinking that they can't find the solution alone. Now clearly, no one can solve this problem by themselves.

The following concept might help you to set your level of responsibility. It has helped me. In international environmental law, the principle of "Common but differentiated responsibilities" occurs in many foundational texts of climate treaties. "Common" means that we all share the obligation to address environmental damage. Differentiated means that this responsibility is adapted depending on education, age, background, social and political status, and economic abilities. This is by no means an exact science, but it might help you figure out what you think your contribution should be.

After all, we must go to zero emissions as quickly as possible. So you might want to ask yourself how you - in your differentiated position - want to achieve that personally.

Common but differentiated responsibility (CBDR) is a principle that was established in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is an international treaty signed by nearly all countries in the world. The principle acknowledges that all countries have a shared responsibility to address climate change, but it also recognizes that different countries have different capacities and responsibilities when it comes to addressing the issue.

Under the principle of CBDR, developed countries, which have contributed significantly to the problem of climate change, are expected to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing financial and technical support to developing countries to help them address the impacts of climate change. Developing countries, on the other hand, are expected to take actions to reduce their emissions, but they are not expected to take on the same level of responsibility as developed countries.

The principle of CBDR reflects the fact that climate change is a global problem that requires a global response, but it also takes into account the historical and current realities of different countries and their contributions to the problem. It is an important principle in international climate negotiations, as it helps to ensure that the burden of addressing climate change is shared fairly among all countries.