Introducing the Multi-Dimensional Injustice Framework: a case study in climate-related health risks

Abstract: Recent years have seen a shift in focus from research that asks how adaptation to climate change can be achieved, to research that asks how fair and equitable adaptation to climate change can be achieved, reflecting a broader turn in the climate literature towards pathways for just transitions in the face of the climate crisis. This paper introduces the Multi-Dimensional Injustice Framework (MDIF) as a normative framework for understanding, articulating, and tackling issues of justice and fairness in complex development challenges such as climate adaptation. The MDIF provides a set of indicators to identify distributive and procedural injustices that can be utilised within development and adaptation policy and planning. The paper further demonstrates how the MDIF can be applied in practice using a case study of climate-related health risks in the informal settlements of Lusaka, Zambia.

Keywords: Climate adaptation, equity, fairness, just transitions, climate justice, health risks, informal settlements, multi-dimensional injustice.

Article posted to the Journal of the British Academy, volume 9, supplementary issue 7 (Climate Change, Public Health and Wellbeing)