In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.
Assertion: India follows the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities on environmental issues.
Reason: India’s international negotiating position on environmental issues relies heavily on principles of historical responsibility, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option 4: The assertion is correct but the reason is incorrect
The principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR) is a foundational concept in international environmental law and policy. It acknowledges that while all countries share a common responsibility to address global environmental challenges, they should do so in a manner that recognizes and accommodates their differing capacities, historical contributions to environmental degradation, and levels of development. This principle acknowledges that developed countries have a greater historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions and should bear a larger burden in addressing climate change.
Assertion: India follows the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities on environmental issues. This is correct. Following the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, India is of the view that the major responsibility of curbing emission rests with the developed countries, which have accumulated emissions over a long period of time.
Reason: India’s international negotiating position on environmental issues relies heavily on principles of historical responsibility, as enshrined in United Nations Charter. This is incorrect. The United Nations Charter focuses on maintaining international peace and security, not environmental issues. Historical responsibility is a part of the CBDR principle and it is enshrined in UNFCCC (not enshrined in the UN Charter.)