Question 100 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Environment

Question

The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

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Correct Option: B. plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change

Strategy: The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' (**INDCs**) is a specific phrase within international environmental discourse. Recognizing the keywords **'Nationally Determined'** and **'Contributions'** should immediately point towards global agreements where countries commit to specific actions. This term gained prominence specifically in the context of global climate negotiations. Therefore, the option directly linking it to 'combat climate change' is the most accurate. Eliminate options related to refugee rehabilitation or banking as they are clearly unrelated. While Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also involve national plans, INDCs are a distinct and precise term tied to climate action under the UNFCCC framework.

Key Info: The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' (INDCs) refers to climate action pledges made by countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in the lead-up to the 2015 Paris Agreement.

*   **Origin and Purpose**: INDCs represented each country's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, reflecting their 'nationally determined' efforts. These were crucial for setting the ambition level of the Paris Agreement.
*   **Evolution to NDCs**: Once a country ratifies the Paris Agreement, its INDC automatically converts into a 'Nationally Determined Contribution' (NDC). NDCs are legally non-binding but represent a country's commitment to address climate change.
*   **Components**: NDCs typically include targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, strategies for climate change adaptation, and means of implementation such as financial, technological, and capacity-building support.
*   **Paris Agreement (COP21)**: The Paris Agreement established a global framework for climate action, requiring all Parties to put forward their best efforts through NDCs and to strengthen these efforts over time. The goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
*   **Distinction from SDGs**: While climate action (SDG 13) is a part of the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), INDCs/NDCs are specific commitments made within the UNFCCC process to combat climate change, whereas SDGs encompass a wide range of global development priorities.

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Option A: pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East

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Option C: capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

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Option D: plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals