Question:
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The withdrawal of USA from Paris Agreement in 2025 will strengthen global climate action momentum.
Statement II: India has indicated a shift in its climate change approach by focusing less on adaptation rather than mitigation.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
(A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
(B) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
(C) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect
(D) Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct
Answer : (B) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
Both statements misrepresent the realities of international climate policy and India’s specific approach.
Analysis of the Statements
- Statement I: The withdrawal of USA from Paris Agreement in 2025 will strengthen global climate action momentum.
- This is incorrect ❌. The United States is one of the world’s largest economies and greenhouse gas emitters. Its participation is considered crucial for the success of the Paris Agreement. The withdrawal of such a significant global player would severely weaken, not strengthen, the momentum for climate action. It would create a leadership void, potentially discourage other nations from their commitments, and negatively impact global climate finance.
- Statement II: India has indicated a shift in its climate change approach by focusing less on adaptation rather than mitigation.
- This is also incorrect ❌. India’s climate change strategy emphasizes a balanced approach that gives high importance to both adaptation and mitigation.
- Adaptation: Adjusting to the impacts of climate change (like sea-level rise and extreme weather) is critical for a vulnerable developing country like India.
- Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also a key goal, as reflected in India’s ambitious renewable energy targets and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- India has consistently increased its efforts in mitigation without reducing its focus on adaptation. The statement incorrectly suggests a shift away from adaptation.
- This is also incorrect ❌. India’s climate change strategy emphasizes a balanced approach that gives high importance to both adaptation and mitigation.