Economic disparity among generations under the Paris Agreement

This study analyzes the lifetime costs and benefits of climate change mitigation by age cohorts across countries under the Paris Agreement. Results show that pre-1960 cohorts generally experience net lifetime GDP per capita reduction, while post-1990 cohorts in most lower-income countries will gain net benefits. However, in many higher-income countries, no cohort enjoys net benefits. The cost-benefit disparity between older and younger cohorts is projected to widen, especially in lower-income countries. This highlights challenges in achieving equitable climate policy.

Haozhe Yang, Sangwon Suh