Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Climate Justice and Carbon Debt Shape Debate Ahead of COP31
Climate change can bring droughts, floods, extreme heat and other hardships.
Experts say countries have not contributed equally to the pollution that warms the planet.
They call the extra historical emissions of wealthier countries part of a carbon debt.
Some experts say those countries should help developing nations with money, adaptation support and technology.
Developing countries say their energy needs are still growing, so changing energy sources suddenly may be difficult.
Another expert says they still need to move away from fossil fuels and that past emissions do not justify using them without limits.
The BRICS declaration supports keeping fossil fuels in the energy mix while pursuing a fair transition.
Countries will discuss these issues at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, in November.
One article gives differing end dates for the historical emissions comparison, 2009 and 2019.
Experts say climate justice concerns the unequal burden of climate impacts and historical emissions.
Reported emissions totals for 1890–2009 were about 400 gigatons for the United States, 348 for the European Union, 220 for China and 53 for India.
The articles differ on the emissions period: one gives 1890–2019 for the figures, while the other gives 1890–2009.
BRICS countries say fossil fuels will remain part of their energy mix while supporting just, orderly, equitable and inclusive energy transitions.
COP31 is scheduled for November 9–20 in Antalya, Türkiye, with Australia as President of Negotiations.
- Who
- Developed and developing countries, including BRICS nations, and climate experts.
- What
- Debate over historical emissions, climate finance, fossil fuels and fair energy transitions ahead of COP31.
- When
- COP31 is scheduled for November 9–20; the articles were published October 3, 2026.
- Where
- COP31 is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye.
- Why
- Countries differ over how historical emissions and varying energy needs should shape climate responsibilities and support.
Historical responsibility and support
Energy needs and transition
Climate finance and responsibility
Historical responsibility and support
Experts quoted argue that developed countries have a greater historical emissions responsibility and should provide climate finance, adaptation funding and technology transfer.
Energy needs and transition
The articles describe developed-country support as an agreed basis of the Paris Agreement, but say it has not materialized sufficiently; they do not include a direct response from developed-country officials.
Continued fossil-fuel use
Historical responsibility and support
Shailly Kedia says developing countries must transition away from fossil fuels and that carbon debt is not a license for unlimited use.
Energy needs and transition
Pallavi Das says a sudden shift is unrealistic where energy demand is surging; the BRICS declaration says fossil fuels will remain part of the energy mix while supporting equitable transitions.
Fairness in climate action
Historical responsibility and support
Sanjay Vashist says developing countries are already doing more to cut emissions and that developed nations are not meeting their fair share.
Energy needs and transition
The articles note that all countries share the goal of climate stabilization, while starting from different circumstances and capacities.
- COP31 dates
- November 9–20
- COP31 location
- Antalya, Türkiye
- President of Negotiations
- Australia
- United States emissions
- About 400 gigatons of carbon dioxide
- European Union emissions
- About 348 gigatons of carbon dioxide
- China and India emissions
- About 220 and 53 gigatons of carbon dioxide, respectively
- Emissions-period discrepancy
- The articles give 1890–2009 and 1890–2019 as the period for the emissions comparison.
- CBDR-RC
- The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities is described as central to COP31 discussions.
