RAS question
The concept of 'Common but Differentiated Responsibilities' (CBDR) is a principle of:
Correct answer: (C) UNFCCC.
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities is a principle of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Explanation
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities belongs to the UNFCCC because Article 3 lists it among the Convention's guiding principles for climate action. The idea is not that some countries can ignore climate change; it is that all Parties share the duty to protect the climate system, while responsibility differs according to equity, capabilities and historical contribution. Developed countries bear greater responsibility because of their historical emissions. UNFCCC Article 3 says Parties should act in accordance with common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and that developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and its adverse effects.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) CITES is about regulating international trade in endangered species, not the climate-change responsibility principle stated in UNFCCC Article 3.
- (B) The Montreal Protocol has its own framework for ozone-depleting substances, but CBDR is the UNFCCC climate principle.
- (D) The Convention on Biological Diversity focuses on biodiversity, whereas CBDR is tied to the UNFCCC's climate-change principles.
Concept
The environment syllabus links global climate negotiations with responsibility-sharing principles. RAS often tests conventions and protocols through their signature principles rather than only their subject areas.