KAPSARC – Integrating Fairness Principles into Global Net-Zero Targets

The main theme of the document is the integration of fairness principles into global net-zero targets.

The document presents a systematic exploration of fair climate policy, offering a comprehensive framework for effort-sharing that encompasses a wide range of principles for distributing the remaining global mitigation burden. Key findings include that current net-zero commitments fall short of many fair benchmarks. The Global North regions must cut emissions faster and deeper due to their historical carbon debt, while the Global South regions are afforded more flexibility for sustainable growth and poverty alleviation. The importance of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies is also highlighted to ensure equitable carbon budgets, especially for the Global South regions.