Columbia International Affairs Online: Journals

CIAO DATE: 07/2008

The Right to Relocation: Disappearing Island Nations and Common Ownership of the Earth [Abstract]

Ethics & International Affairs Journal

A publication of:
Carnegie Council

Volume: 23, Issue: 3 (Fall 2009)


Mathias Risse

Abstract

Full Text

In recent work I have tried to revitalize the standpoint of humanity's commonly owning the earth. This standpoint has implications for a range of problems that have recently preoccupied us at the global level, including immigration, obligations to future generations, climate change, and human rights. In particular, this approach helps illuminate what moral claims to international aid small island nations whose existence is threatened by global climate change have. A recent proposal for relocating his people across different nations by President Tong of Kiribati is a case in point. My approach vindicates President Tong's proposal.