Country-Level Distribution of Trillions of Dollars in Future Climate Damages from Current Annual Emissions

Carbon dioxide emitted in one country affects the global climate, imposing climate damage on other countries. Here, we estimate the present value of country-to-country climate damage from current emissions using country-specific social costs of carbon. We estimate that the net present value of international climate damage related to current carbon dioxide emissions is $US 6.6 trillion. The damage due to annual emissions from Annex II (developed) countries on non-Annex I (mostly developing) countries is estimated at $US 2 trillion. The net present value of damage imposed by high emitters represents a substantial fraction of the current annual gross domestic product of many countries, especially those in the Global South. This information may be useful in negotiations on common but differentiated responsibilities under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.