In this article we have studied a scheme of partitioning the global carbon budget using an equity principle. In contrast to earlier approaches, this article carefully distinguishes between the two quantities – ‘entitlements to carbon space’ and ‘physically available carbon space’. A positive feature of the carbon budgets approach to allocation of mitigation burdens discussed here
is that a single framework for mitigation can be applied to all countries. The method offers a concrete operationalization of the principle of achieving the climate goals ‘on the basis of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’.