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Ongoing studies

Climate Justice, Sustainability, and the Right to Development - Thematic study by the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development

Published

15 August 2026

Focus

Kim Test Subject

The fourth study will be focused on climate justice, sustainability, and the right to development.

Vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries, which have contributed the least to the climate crisis, bear the brunt of its consequences. There is growing recognition that climate justice and just transition are key frameworks for mitigating the impacts of climate change and achieving sustainable development.

The study will explore ideas, strategies, and practices for upholding the right to development in climate action by means of climate justice and just transition.

The impact of the climate crisis on ecosystems, economies, and societies worldwide is unevenly distributed. Vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries that have contributed the least to the crisis, bear the brunt of its consequences.

The world’s richest 10 percent are responsible for 50 percent of GHG emissions, while the poorest 50% are only responsible for 10% of emissions. When historical emission rates are considered, the disparities are even more stark. Yet, climate justice has not been sufficiently centred in climate change debates and action. There is growing recognition that climate justice and just transition are key frameworks for mitigating the impacts of climate change and achieving sustainable development. The shift from fossil fuel-dependent economies to sustainable, lowcarbon economies must be equitable and socially inclusive.

By integrating climate justice principles into just transition processes, societies can build more inclusive and equitable pathways to sustainable development.

Issued By:

Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development

Author:

Mr. Bonny IBHAWOH (Nigeria)

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