Prelims 2025 · Environment · Question 12
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 COP 28 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?
Answer
Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
Statement I: Correct. At COP28, India did not join/sign the UAE Declaration on Climate and Health.
Statement II: Incorrect. The COP28 Climate and Health Declaration is non-binding; signing it does not create a legal obligation to mandatorily decarbonize the health sector.
Statement III: Correct. India’s stated concern was that forced/rapid decarbonization of the health sector could affect energy access, infrastructure expansion, and thus health-system resilience in a developing-country context.
Option check: Only Statement III is correct, and it explains Statement I. Hence, (c).