Princip zajedničke ali diferencirane odgovornosti i Pariski sporazum o klimi
The Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibility and the Paris Climate Agreement

Author(s): Dragoljub Todić
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Energy and Environmental Studies, Environmental and Energy policy, Environmental interactions
Published by: Институт друштвених наука
Keywords: climate change; Paris Agreement; the principle of common but differentiated responsibility; developing countries; Serbia
Summary/Abstract: The first part of the paper points out the key elements of the „principle of common but differentiated responsibility and appropriate opportunities“ (CBDR). It discusses the evolution of the understanding of the content of the principle and the need to respect the general circumstances, goals, and obligations prescribed by the Paris Agreement (PA) and other relevant international agreements. The significance of the PA is seen through the fact that it introduces a new (‘bottom up’) approach to tackling climate change. The second part of the paper discusses the issue of criteria for defining the content and application of the CBDR. The norms of the PA and other international agreements that explicitly refer to the differentiated position of developing countries are particularly considered. The possibility (and need) of differentiating the contracting parties on the basis of more precise criteria such as the capacity of contracting parties, vulnerability, contribution to climate change (historical, and present), and commitments to reduce GHG emissions is pointed out, etc. Relevant data for Serbia and neighboring countries are overviewed. The aim of the paper is to examine the meaning and scope of the principle of common but differentiated responsibility. The thesis is considered that the PA, regardless of the new approach to the GHG emission reduction, has not made progress in the operationalization of CBDR. Basically, the general and (and incomplete) differentiation of the contracting parties has been maintained through the definition of specific obligations and rights of developing countries. In conclusion, it is stated that the CBDR has its solid foundation in the nature of the problem of climate change, but that the issue of differentiated responsibilities of the contracting parties is still open.

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