Conceptualizing a just and safe earth system: The limits of science-based global targets in earth system governance

Keywords: environmental justice, transformation, earth system governance, climate justice
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 35

Abstract

This paper is a reflection on our work with the Earth Commission and Global Commons Alliance to bring ideas of climate and environmental justice to efforts to establish biophysical targets to stabilize the earth system within planetary boundaries, and define and quantify a safe and just corridor for people and planet. Such targets include those for global temperature (e.g. 1.5C), biodiversity (e.g. % protected land), water pollution (e.g. phosphorus load) and ocean integrity. We will discuss whether and how to define planetary justice, to identify and quantify measures of what is just, and provide constructive critique of neoliberal approaches and discourses of science based targets. We will draw on our collaborations with colleagues at the University of Amsterdam and other members of the social science working group of the Earth Commission who are focusing not only on possibilities for just targets, but on radical transformations for a safe and just planet where harm is minimized and access to wellbeing is possible for all.