Consider the following statements :
Statement I :
At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the 'Declaration on Climate and Health'.
Statement II :
The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize health sector.
Statement III :
If India's health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health-care system may be compromised.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Show answer
Answer: C. Statement I is correct: India did not sign the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health (Dubai, December 2023). Statement II is wrong: the declaration is voluntary and non-binding. Statement III is correct and explains India's stand: India said cutting greenhouse gases from its health sector could limit its ability to expand and strengthen health care for its population. So only Statement III is correct and it explains Statement I.
Watch for: Calling a COP declaration 'binding' is the trap; such declarations are voluntary pledges.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong: Statement II is false because the declaration is non-binding.
- B. Wrong: Statement II is false.
- D. Wrong: Statement III is correct.
Source to check: COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health (cop28.com); news reports of December 2023 on India not signing the declaration
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.