Towards an ethical framework for climate change policies: interim report
This report discusses the results of a study on the ethical dimensions of climate change, aiming to determine the nature, scope and possible content of an ethical framework that could inform policy responses to climate change. It addresses climate-related disasters and the analysis of risk and vulnerability (including impact assessment) as part of the broader issue areas arguable of ethical significance. It emphasis the crutial importance of the issue of equity in the position of vulnerable populations, access to vital resources, climate-related disasters, future generations and the position of women.
It points out that mitigation policies have, until fairly recently, been given priority over adaptation policies, and the manner in which ethical considerations are virtually absent in international negotiations about climate change responses. It advocates for the position of indigenous peoples to be regarded as constituting a key policy issue, recognizing that they have specific knowledge relevant to adaptation to climate change that should be drawn on, and indeed shared when relevant. It also highlights the clear interest in the development of guidelines that can assist in the elaboration of national policies, especially with respect to adaptation, and taking due account of key ethical objectives such as prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable.