Fair contributions versus fastest possible reductions

This research paper by the NewClimate Institute and Fraunhofer ISI argues that national greenhouse gas emission targets should be determined by combining equity-based 'fair contribution' assessments with technical 'mitigation potential' evaluations to align with the Paris Agreement.

• The authors argue that relying solely on 'fair contribution' assessments is insufficient for developed countries, who may be required to reach net zero within a decade, or for developing countries, where such assessments might suggest emission increases that are incompatible with the Paris Agreement. Instead, a combination of fair contribution and technical mitigation potential is needed to guide national targets.
• The paper proposes a financial framework where developed countries, whose national mitigation potential may not be large enough to meet their fair contribution, provide support to developing countries. In these cases, the highest possible ambition may require faster reductions than the fair contribution would dictate, necessitating financial assistance.
• To prevent lock-ins in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, the authors recommend implementing ambitious, sector-specific 2030 targets enshrined in national law, rather than relying solely on economy-wide targets.
• Financial support from developed countries should target high-effort activities to avoid sectoral lock-ins rather than the cheapest reductions. Specific examples of support include financing the replacement of coal plants with renewables, switching to low-carbon industrial processes, upgrading building stocks to the best available global technologies, and developing low-carbon transport infrastructure.

APA

NewClimate Institute (2020). Fair contributions versus fastest possible reductions. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/fair-contributions-versus-fastest-possible-reductions

Chicago

NewClimate Institute. Fair contributions versus fastest possible reductions. 2020. http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/fair-contributions-versus-fastest-possible-reductions.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=NewClimate Institute |title=Fair contributions versus fastest possible reductions |date=25 August 2020 |url=http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/fair-contributions-versus-fastest-possible-reductions |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{newclimateinstitute2020fair, author = {{NewClimate Institute}}, title = {{Fair contributions versus fastest possible reductions}}, institution = {NewClimate Institute}, year = {2020}, month = aug, url = {http://www.newclimate.org/resources/publications/fair-contributions-versus-fastest-possible-reductions}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }