Equity and the Paris Agreement: legal and philosophical perspectives

Equity has both legal and philosophical meanings. The Paris Agreement includes important references to equity, including in relation to the global stocktake. Elaborating equity in relation to the Paris Agreement regime can be done as part of the Paris Agreement; outside the Agreement eg through climate think tanks; or not at all—viz implicitly. These options are assessed in terms of their effectiveness, legitimacy and political feasibility drawing on philosophical concepts of equity. The latter—particularly Aristotle—provides a fresh lens for interpreting understandings of equity that have developed within the Paris regime. Elaborating equity outside the Paris Agreement is the most politically feasible option, while weaker in terms of likely effectiveness. Ultimately, the Paris Agreement regime will only succeed if parties are willing to embrace Aristotle’s concept of equity in the sense of acting morally with a willingness to compromise for the greater good