Question 29 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Current Affairs (Environm ent & Ecology)

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the 'Declaration on Climate and Health'.
2. The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize the health sector.
3. If India's health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its healthcare system may be compromised.
Which one of the above statements is correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I.

Strategy: Key to this question is analyzing Statements II and III: Statement II incorrectly asserts the declaration is binding—knowledge of international agreements shows COP declarations like this are non-binding. Statement III, on the other hand, reflects India's actual policy concern: rapid decarbonization of health infrastructure could challenge healthcare system resilience, especially in developing contexts. Thus, only Statement III is correct and it explains India's decision not to sign, guiding towards option C.

Key Info: COP28 (2023) was held in Dubai and focused on several thematic areas, with a special emphasis on the link between climate change and health. The 'COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health' is a non-binding statement adopted by over 120 countries, highlighting the urgent need to protect health from climate impacts and promote climate-resilient health systems. It is not legally binding and does not impose compliance obligations. India's refusal to sign the declaration stemmed primarily from concerns related to a clause mandating rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from healthcare cooling (refrigeration, air-conditioning), which India believes could affect healthcare delivery, especially in resource-poor or climatically challenging regions. Decarbonizing the health sector involves transitioning to clean energy, improving energy efficiency, and reducing direct and indirect emissions. However, for developing countries, a swift transition without adequate support might compromise essential healthcare services and system resilience, given infrastructural and energy constraints. International COP declarations generally serve as frameworks for cooperation and signaling intent, rather than enforceable instruments. Previous Indian concerns at international climate fora often relate to the need for differentiated responsibilities, equity, and balancing developmental imperatives with climate action.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.