Intergenerational Climate Justice: Applying Theory to Policy in the Anthropocene

Abstract In this article we show that while it is important to develop and refine the moral theory of environmental and climate justice, it is also important to consider how to apply those theories, to shape laws and policies and develop good practice in climate movements. This article we identify and assess some promising policy design principles and legal strategies for advancing intergenerational climate justice. We begin by saying why intergenerational justice matters in the context of a planetary climate crisis. We then address the question of intergenerational climate justice, theories of intersectionality and recognition. We show how the principles of intergenerational climate justice can address the temporal complexity involved in preventing future harms by identifying contemporary policy and legal instruments that can advance intergenerational climate justice. We focus on three strategies: multigenerational and generation-specific climate assemblies, carbon budgeting and taxation and climate litigation based on ‘duty of care’ principles. Together, these policy and legal strategies could help realise the promise of intergenerational climate justice.