Geography2025
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 COP28 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?
Explanation
The correct option states that only one of Statements II and III is correct and that this explains Statement I. Statement II is inaccurate because the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is non-binding; therefore, signing it does not impose mandatory obligations on countries like India to decarbonize their health sectors. However, Statement III may reflect concerns that efforts to decarbonize could strain India's existing health-care infrastructure, particularly if not properly managed. This highlights the need for a balanced approach to climate action that considers the implications for health systems, thereby providing context for India's cautious stance in Statement I.