Geopolitical Dynamics and the moral imperative of addressing Loss and Damage in the Global South
Author
Kristensen, Amalie
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2023
Pages
69
Abstract
This thesis examines how contemporary geopolitical dynamics influence the Global North's engagement with the moral and ethical dimensions of Loss and Damage in the Global South. As climate change accelerates inequalities, particular responsibility falls on countries with the greatest historical emissions. The thesis analyzes international climate agreements, power imbalances, and debates on environmental justice, including non-economic dimensions of loss and damage, using Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments and Joan Martinez-Alier's Environmentalism of the Poor as analytical lenses. It highlights an evolving global consciousness that pushes states to reconcile economic interests with ethical obligations. The study finds that, as climate impacts intensify and geopolitics evolve, pressure will grow to align policies with moral principles, especially for the Global North to address historical injustices and support vulnerable communities, thereby advancing a more equitable and sustainable global response to the climate crisis.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan nutidens geopolitiske dynamikker påvirker Global Nords engagement i de moralske og etiske aspekter af Loss and Damage i Globalt Syd. I takt med at klimaforandringer forstærker uligheder, påhviler der et særligt ansvar de lande, som historisk har udledt mest. Afhandlingen analyserer internationale klimaaftaler, magtubalancer og debatter om miljøretfærdighed, herunder ikke-økonomiske former for tab og skade, og anvender Adam Smiths Theory of Moral Sentiments og Joan Martinez-Aliers Environmentalism of the Poor som analytiske linser. Studiet belyser en fremvoksende global bevidsthed, der presser stater til at forbinde økonomiske interesser med etiske forpligtelser. Resultaterne peger på, at i takt med at klimaeffekter intensiveres og geopolitikken udvikler sig, vil presset for at tilpasse politikker til moralske og etiske principper tiltage, særligt i Global Nord, som opfordres til at adressere historiske uretfærdigheder og støtte sårbare samfund for at fremme et mere retfærdigt og bæredygtigt globalt svar på klimakrisen.
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