Religious engagement in the interface between ethics, policy and law Angela Jean Thomson

287 Pages·2014·2.81 MB·English

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Combating Climate Change:
Religious engagement in the interface between

ethics, policy and law

Angela Jean Thomson

A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy in Law, the University of Auckland, 2014.
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Abstract
This dissertation is an explorative research paper with a central aim of exploring the
potential for religious voice to become a leading moral authority within the
international climate change arena. The thesis begins by reviewing the current
climate change regime, noting that an ethical and/or moral response is urgently
required but largely absent. The paper suggests religion has the required
ethical/moral basis and capacity to carry ethical values more prominently into the
international climate change arena. The proactive viewpoints of the world’s five
major religions and the numerous interreligious partnerships on climate change
issues indicate an increasing trend by religions to actively participate in climate
change initiatives.
Secularisation theory and the assumption held by many that religion does not
belong in the public sphere is slowly dissipating, paving the way for active
collaboration between secular and religious institutions. Evaluation of the current
influence and relevance of religion within the international law arena indicates that
UN bodies are increasingly amenable to religious participation. The thesis proposes
that religious voice can improve the quality of decision-making within the climate
change regime and this can be achieved in practical (legal, institutional) terms via
the UNFCCC or directly through the United Nations system.
The research intersects with both religion and law and thus necessitates an
interdisciplinary approach. This involves drawing appropriate information from both
law and theology in order to redefine problems outside of normal climate change
governance boundaries and to reach solutions based on these new understandings.

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Acknowledgements
I would like to express much gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Klaus
Bosselmann, who has allowed me to work at my own speed and under my own
steam throughout the entire doctoral process, but has always been readily available
whenever I required help or a general catch-up. I would also like to express gratitude
to my co-supervisor, Professor Elaine Wainwright.
I extend my appreciation to the staff members of the University of Auckland Law
Faculty and the Postgraduate Centre for all their support and helpfulness.
Much love and thanks to Phil for supporting my research and holding the fort at
home on many occasions. Without his support, my journey would have been much
more difficult.
Also much love to my nine children - Jeremy (now embarking on his own PhD
journey), Christopher, Benjamin, Mathew, Brittany, Sara-Jane, Samuel, Thomas,
and Katie. My apologies to you all for more often than not being too busy to spend
the quality time we should have enjoyed over the past eleven years of my student
life! I love you all very much and you now have my undivided attention! Sam – my
special boy who has cerebral palsy – you never complain and are always full of
smiles and giggles – you are truly an inspiration to everyone who knows you.
To all my friends, especially Annie McFadyen, Anne Napier, Kirsty Millett, and
Professor Ravi Prakash (India) - thank you for your love, patience, understanding,
and encouragement throughout the past four years.
To my law school colleagues (undergraduate and post-graduate) who are now
working in many parts of the world – I thank you all for allowing me to be a part of
your academic journey and thank you for being a part of my own journey. Special
thanks go to Dr. David Griffiths and Dr. An Hertogen who were my first real contacts
in the world of independent PhD research. Fellow candidates at the time, they made
me feel at home on the 7th floor and are living proof that we can achieve our dreams
with much hard work!
A very special acknowledgement goes to Deborah (Debbie) Hineikauia Amoamo-
Smart, who sadly passed away near completion of her final undergraduate law year.
She was awarded her degree posthumously and made all that knew her very proud.
Debbie, you were one smart cookie and I miss our lunchtime debates in the
cafeteria!
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If you don’t like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation
to change it. You just do it one step at a time.
Marian Wright Edelman
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Table of Contents
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... i
Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... v
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... ix
Introduction ................................................................................................................1
1.1. Background to the research study ....................................................................................1
1.2. Holistic worldview ..............................................................................................................1
1.3. Research area of study .....................................................................................................3
1.4. Research questions and intended contribution ................................................................4
1.5. Research methodology .....................................................................................................5
1.5.1. Secularisation Theory ................................................................................................5
1.5.2. Empirical data .............................................................................................................6
1.6. Thesis structure.................................................................................................................7
The Climate Change Regime and Options for Reform ...........................................11
2.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................................11
2.2. Brief history of climate change science ..........................................................................12
2.3. Evolution of the climate change regime .........................................................................14
2.3.1. Timeline of climate change action ...........................................................................15
2.3.2. International climate change action – (1970-1990 era) ...........................................23
2.3.3. International climate change action – (1991-present time) .....................................31
2.4. The challenges of climate change for existing governance mechanisms .....................42
2.5. Options for reform ...........................................................................................................45
2.5.1. The “compliance model”...........................................................................................46
2.5.2. The “new agency model”..........................................................................................46
2.5.3. The “upgrading UNEP model” ..................................................................................47
2.5.4. The “organizational streamlining model” .................................................................47
2.5.5. The “multiple actors’ model” .....................................................................................48
2.6. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................48
The Ethical Implications of Climate Change ...........................................................51
3.1. 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................51
3.2. Defining Ethics ................................................................................................................51
3.3. The importance of an ethical viewpoint to climate change dialogue .............................53
3.3.1. The marginalisation of ethics in climate change discussions ..................................55
3.3.2. Specific climate change ethical issues ....................................................................57
3.3.2.1. Responsibility for damages ...............................................................................58
3.3.2.2. Atmospheric targets...........................................................................................59
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