Decarbonisation and World Poverty: A Just Transition for Fossil Fuel Exporting Countries?

Abstract

If dangerous climate change is to be avoided, the majority of the world’s fossil fuel supplies cannot be burned. Exporting countries will, therefore, lose out on a significant source of revenue – among them some of the world’s poorest countries. Might they have a claim to assistance from the international community if these losses come to pass? If so, on what basis? I examine two distinct arguments for assistance. The first is based on the claim that when our expectations are thwarted by public policy, compensation for those affected may be morally required. The second is premised upon the right to development – a right which is potentially jeopardised when some fossil fuel assets must go unexploited. I argue that the second argument enjoys better prospects. I also discuss several mechanisms which would allow the international community to assist countries incurring losses arising from the need to stabilise our global climate.