What is climate debt ?
Climate debt is a concept that suggests wealthy nations owe a moral and ecological debt to poorer countries due to their disproportionate contribution to global warming. The idea is based on the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," which recognizes that all countries have a responsibility to address climate change, but the extent of this responsibility should be based on historical contributions and capacity to take action. Key points include historical responsibility, capacity to mitigate, and vulnerability and adaptation. Wealthy nations have been industrializing for longer and have more resources to invest in renewable energy, while poorer countries often lack the financial and institutional capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Addressing climate debt is seen as an essential component of any equitable and effective response to the urgent challenge of climate change.