Dilemmas and Breakthroughs in the Application of the Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities in the Context of COP28

Abstract

The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held in Dubai, UAE, in 2023 has reached the “UAE Consensus”, which symbolizes that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities has entered into a new stage, presenting a new pattern of flexibility, procedure and dynamism. However, the problems that still exist in the Conference mean that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities is still in the process of being realized, and there are still dilemmas such as uncertainty about the legal attributes of the principle, the lack of a specific system to ensure its implementation, and the insufficient capacity of developing countries in terms of financial and technical support. Based on the above, we would like to put forward some suggestions for improving the application of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in China: firstly, the status of the principle should be clarified; secondly, a system should be set up to ensure its implementation; and lastly, the provisions on capacity-building for developing countries in terms of financial support and technical assistance should be fine-tuned. Under the current situation, guaranteeing the realization of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities will be of great significance to the containment and improvement of global climate change.