The principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’, often talked about in media, refers to
[amp_mcq option1=”WHO’s COVID-19 Global Vaccination Drive” option2=”contributions to the International Monetary Fund” option3=”reduction of greenhouse gas emissions” option4=”contributions to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations” correct=”option3″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
The principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’ is a cornerstone of international environmental law, particularly within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and subsequent agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. It recognizes that while all states share a common responsibility for addressing global environmental problems, particularly climate change, they have contributed to the problem in different ways and possess different capacities (technical, financial, etc.) to address it. This principle underlies the differential obligations placed on developed and developing countries regarding emissions reduction targets and financial/technological support.
Option C, “reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” is directly related to climate change negotiations where this principle is most prominently discussed and applied.
The principle acknowledges historical responsibilities for emissions (developed countries) and varying capacities for action (developing countries).