Ethical Responsibility and Climate Policy: A Comparative Analysis of Global Climate Agreements

Abstract: Climate change poses not only an environmental crisis but also a profound ethical challenge, raising questions of fairness, justice, and global responsibility. As nations grapple with rising temperatures and climate-induced disasters, international agreements serve as key instruments for collective action. This study examines how ethical responsibility is embedded—or at times neglected—in three major climate agreements: the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the Glasgow Climate Pact. Using a qualitative comparative analysis, the research evaluates how these treaties address issues such as historical accountability, equity, and intergenerational justice. Findings reveal a gradual shift from rigid obligations to voluntary, equity-framed commitments, often lacking enforceability. While ethical language has become more prominent, significant gaps remain in translating ethical principles into binding policy. The paper concludes with recommendations for integrating clearer ethical standards into future climate governance.