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Sustainable Development is defined as the development that assists the '''needs of today''' without compromising the ability of the '''future generations''' to meet their needs. This definition is based on two key concepts – the '''needs''' of the poor and those who cannot provide for basic living standards by themselves; and the '''limitations''' to meet those needs as a result of the environment, the political and social circumstances, and technologic advances. Sustainability policies in the field of climate change need to be centred on the principles of equity and future justice.
The actual objective of the sustainable development concept is to achieve balanced economic, social and environmental development for both developed and developing countries. Therefore, it should be addressed as a global problem that includes more than just economic growth. The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) noted in its March 2009 study on climate change and human rights.<ref>[https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement], “Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the relationship between climate change and human rights”, retrieved from: https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/103/44/PDF/G0910344.pdf?OpenElement.</ref> that climate change can only be effectively addressed through '''international cooperation''', as it affects disproportionately poorer countries with the weakest ability to protect their citizens. It also highlites States’ obligations under international human rights law and the '''[[right to development]]''', proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) in the Declaration on the Right to Development, to protect individuals whose rights are affected by the impact of climate change or by policies that address climate change. Yet, so far, '''international cooperation has been unsuccessful in solving the climate change issue'''.
It is also important to take into account the '''historical responsibility''' that arises due to the disproportion of both GHG emissions, that are and were historically mostly emitted by developed countries; and the fact that most of the consequences are felt by developing nations. Even though climate change has a global impact and it will affect the lives of everyone, developing countries are mostly targeted because of differential factors such as income, race, class, gender, capital and political representation. Thus, following on the '''right to development''' arises the concept of '''[[climate justice]]''' and of '''common but differentiated responsibilities''', which is central to the climate change regime.
