Term of the Day: CBDR

“Common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR) is a central principle of the UN Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC), under which the negotiations are taking place. The principle is enshrined in the Kyoto Protocol through which only developed countries, Annex I countries, have legally binding commitments to reduce their emissions. All nations have a common responsibility in tackling climate change, but their capability to do so differs between rich and poor countries – why the rich should share a higher burden of emissions reductions.