Read the passage and answer the questions:
India signed and ratified the 1997 Kyoto Protocol in August 2002. India, China and other developing countries were exempt from the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol because their contribution to the emission of greenhouse gases during the industrialisation period (that is believed to be causing today’s global warming and climate change) was not significant. However, the critics of the Kyoto Protocol point out that sooner or later, both India and China, along with other developing countries, will be among the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. At the G-8 meeting in June 2005, India pointed out that the per capita emission rates of the developing countries are a tiny fraction of those in the developed world. Following the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, 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.
India’s international negotiating position relies heavily on principles of historical responsibility, as enshrined in UNFCCC. This acknowledges that developed countries are responsible for most historical and current greenhouse gas emissions, and emphasizes that ‘economic and social development are the first and overriding priorities of the developing country parties’. So India is wary of recent discussions within UNFCCC about introducing binding commitments on rapidly industrialising countries (such as Brazil, China and India) to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. India feels this contravenes the very spirit of UNFCCC.
The Indian government is already participating in global efforts through a number of programmes. For example, India’s National Auto-fuel Policy mandates cleaner fuels for vehicles. The Energy Conservation Act, passed in 2001, outlines initiatives to improve energy efficiency. Similarly, the Electricity Act of 2003 encourages the use of renewable energy. Recent trends in importing natural gas and encouraging the adoption of clean coal technologies show that India has been making real efforts. The government is also keen to launch a National Mission on Biodiesel, using about 11 million hectares of land to produce biodiesel by 2011-2012. India ratified the Paris Climate Agreement on 2 October 2016.
What according to India contravenes the very spirit of UNFCCC?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Introducing binding commitments on rapidly industrialising countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Option (1) Introducing binding commitments to enforce Global Solar Energy Convention. — Incorrect. The debate in the passage is about binding cuts in greenhouse gas emissions under the UNFCCC, the framework convention on climate change. A solar energy convention is not part of it; India’s objection is only to emission targets on rapidly industrialising countries like itself.
Option (2) Introducing binding commitments on rapidly industrialising countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. — Correct. India is wary of discussions within the UNFCCC about introducing binding commitments on rapidly industrialising countries (such as Brazil, China and India) to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and feels this contravenes the very spirit of the UNFCCC.
Option (3) Introducing binding commitments on developed countries to adopt clean coal technologies. — Incorrect. Under the principle of historical responsibility, India holds that the developed countries must bear the major responsibility for curbing emissions. Commitments on them would fit India’s view, not go against it; India itself encourages clean coal technologies.
Option (4) Introducing binding commitments to non-use of nuclear technology for developing countries. — Incorrect. Nuclear technology is a separate issue that does not come into this debate; India’s objection is to binding emission targets on rapidly industrialising countries like itself.
NCERT (2025-26): “India’s Stand on Environmental Issues … India’s international negotiating position relies heavily on principles of historical responsibility, as enshrined in UNFCCC. This acknowledges that developed countries are responsible for most historical and current greenhouse gas emissions, and emphasizes that ‘economic and social development are the first and overriding priorities of the developing country parties’.… India’s Stand on Environmental Issues … India is wary of recent discussions within UNFCCC about introducing binding commitments on rapidly industrialising countries (such as Brazil, China and India) to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. India feels this contravenes the very spirit of UNFCCC.…” |