Chapter 06 · Governance & regulationDevelopment, Impact & Global Frameworks
Common but differentiated responsibilities
Definition
Common but differentiated responsibilities is the principle that states share responsibility for global environmental problems while recognising different circumstances and capacities.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Common but differentiated responsibilities” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
Common but differentiated responsibilities should be read as a development and impact term. Its meaning depends on the affected population, institutional context, geography, evidence base and power relationships involved.
In practice, users should state whose perspective is being considered, what outcome is intended and what limitations apply. That keeps common but differentiated responsibilities from becoming a broad claim detached from lived context or evidence.
Why it matters
Common but differentiated responsibilities matters because development language can influence funding, accountability, rights, participation and claims about impact. Clear wording helps readers distinguish aspiration, programme design, measured outcome and social context.
Common misconception
A common error is to use Common but differentiated responsibilities as universally positive without examining who benefits, who carries risk and who has voice in the decision.
Review questions
Who is affected, who decides and who is accountable? What evidence supports the claimed outcome? What local context or limitation should shape interpretation?
How it is used
Standard setters, scheme owners, certification bodies, auditors and organisations seeking assurance use “Common but differentiated responsibilities” in standards, certification, conformity assessment, audits, controls and assurance engagements.
In each case, the user should state the named standard or scheme, version, scope, criteria, assurance level and competent decision-maker; otherwise, the same term may be applied to materially different situations. In this context, it refers to the principle that states share responsibility for global environmental problems while recognising different circumstances and capacities.