Distinguishing between causal and remedial responsibility is crucial, and the UNFCCC’s chief document recognizes common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as respective capabilities. As the sociologist Claus Offe recently pointed out, it is one thing to say who is to blame for the damage, and quite another to determine who can or should take responsibility for solving the problem.
这些问题从一开始就主导了气候变化的国际讨论和争议。区分肇事和补救责任是很重要的，UNFCCC主条款承认各国共同但差异化的责任和各自的能力。社会学家克劳斯·奥菲（Claus Offe）最近指出，认清伤害责任是一回事，确定谁能够或应该为解决问题负责是完全不同的另一回事。