Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Climate change is a critical global challenge that necessitates coordinated international action due to its far-reaching impacts, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

• This crisis not only intensifies existing inequalities but also raises ethical questions about resource allocation and responsibility.
• Nations must balance their self-interests with the urgent need for global cooperation to combat this issue.

Body

Balancing National Interests with Global Responsibilities:

• Reframing National Interests: Nations must redefine their interests to align with long-term global sustainability, recognizing that climate action can also serve national interests such as economic opportunities, health, and security.
  • Example: India’s Panchamrit pledge demonstrates this alignment.
• Adopting a Co-benefits Approach: Countries should prioritize climate actions that deliver both national and global benefits, justifying domestic investments through immediate local advantages.
• Engaging in Multilateral Agreements: Participation in international climate agreements enables nations to contribute to global efforts while representing their interests.
• Leveraging International Finance Mechanisms: Nations can tap into global finance mechanisms to fund climate initiatives, easing the burden on national budgets while aiding global efforts
  • The Green Climate Fund supports developing countries with mitigation and adaptation projects, aligning with their development goals.
• Implementing Carbon Pricing with Border Adjustments: Nations can adopt domestic carbon pricing and border adjustments to enhance competitiveness and align economic interests with climate action
  • The EU's proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism aims to prevent carbon leakage while encouraging stronger climate policies globally.

Ethical Principles that Should Guide International Climate Action:

• Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities: This principle acknowledges that all nations have a shared responsibility to address climate change, but the extent of that responsibility varies based on historical contributions to emissions and current capabilities.
  • The Paris Agreement (2015) embodies this principle by allowing countries to set their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Principle of Intergenerational Equity: Nations should consider the rights of future generations when making decisions about climate action and resource use today.
  • Summit of the Future 2024 demonstrating a commitment to long-term sustainability despite short-term economic gains from fossil fuels.
• Principle of Global Justice and Fairness: Climate action should aim to reduce inequalities and ensure a just transition for all nations and communities.
  • The concept of "climate reparations," where historically high-emitting countries provide financial support to vulnerable nations facing severe climate impacts, such as the loss and damage fund agreed upon at COP27 in 2022.
• Principle of Precautionary Action: In the face of uncertainty about climate change impacts, nations should take preventive action rather than waiting for absolute scientific certainty.
  • The European Union's adoption of the precautionary principle in its environmental legislation, leading to stricter regulations on potentially harmful substances and practices.
• Principle of International Cooperation: Addressing climate change requires collaborative efforts that transcend national boundaries.
  • The International Solar Alliance, initiated by India and France, which aims to promote solar energy in sun-rich countries, showcasing how nations can work together to address climate challenges.
• Principle of Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: Developed nations should facilitate the transfer of clean technologies and help build capacity in developing countries to address climate change.
  • The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), which provides technical assistance and capacity building to developing countries in climate mitigation and adaptation.

Conclusion

Addressing the climate crisis requires a delicate balance between national interests and global responsibilities. The ethical principles for addressing climate change encourage global cooperation, equity, and sustainability. Only through shared responsibility can the world address the climate crisis and its impact on future generations.