| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Highlight the concept of intergenerational equity & how future generation rights shape policies & debates. Conclusion: Way forward |
Intergenerational equity is a core principle of climate justice, which emphasizes the responsibility of present generations to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and sustainable planet.
Concept of Intergenerational Equity in Climate Justice
- Fairness across generations: It ensures that future generations have access to the same environmental resources and opportunities as the present generation.
- Sustainability of natural resources: It mandates the responsible management of natural resources to prevent depletion and environmental degradation that could harm future
How Future Generations’ Rights Shape Environmental Policies?
- Climate Change Jurisprudence: Courts worldwide have increasingly acknowledged the rights of future generations in their rulings on environmental matters. Some notable cases include:
- Colombia: A landmark ruling required the government to create an intergenerational pact to protect the Amazon rainforest, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
- India: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) upheld the principle of intergenerational equity, affirming the right to a healthy environment for both present and future generations.
- Maastricht Principles: The Maastricht Principles link climate justice and sustainable development with the rights of future generations. These principles obligate public and private actors to avoid actions that pose significant risks to future generations.
- Influence on Global Environmental Governance: Intergenerational equity is a central theme in multilateral discussions, such as the Summit of the Future (2024), which aims to address major global threats like climate change, pandemics, and inequality.
- Balancing Short-term Development vs. Long-term Sustainability: The debate on intergenerational equity contrasts critics like Stephen Humphreys, who argue it diverts focus from present needs, with proponents like Wawerinke-Singh, who see it as fostering justice and honoring Indigenous traditions of protecting future generations.
- Planetary Overshoot and Urgency for Action: The planetary overshoot day—the point when humanity exceeds Earth’s capacity to renew its resources—has moved from December 30 1970 to August 1, 2024. This demonstrates the environmental crisis that threatens future generations and stresses the need for immediate, effective climate policies.
Conclusion
The recognition of future generations’ rights is essential for achieving climate justice. By incorporating intergenerational equity into environmental policies and debates, we can ensure that our actions today contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for all.
