by Q. Consider the following statements:
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Answer: (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
Explanation:
- Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows for market-based mechanisms (carbon credits) and non-market-based cooperation for emission reduction.
- Hence, both II and III are true and provide the reasons for why Article 6 is globally discussed (Statement I).
Answer: (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
About Article 6 of Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Purpose: Article 6 provides a framework for voluntary cooperation between countries to achieve their climate targets (Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) in a more cost-effective and sustainable manner.
Market Mechanisms (6.2 and 6.4):
6.2 allows countries to trade emission reductions through internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs).
6.4 establishes a centralized mechanism (similar to the Clean Development Mechanism under Kyoto Protocol) to generate tradable credits from emission reduction projects.
Non-Market Approaches (6.8): Encourages cooperation beyond market trading, such as technology transfer, capacity building, and policy support to achieve NDCs.
Double Counting Prevention: Article 6 ensures that emission reductions are not counted twice, both by the host country and the country purchasing credits, maintaining environmental integrity.
Sustainable Development Co-Benefits: Projects under Article 6 must support sustainable development goals, such as social, environmental, and economic benefits for local communities.
Transparency and Reporting: Participating countries are required to report emission reductions, ensure transparency, and follow guidelines to maintain accountability.
Flexibility and Cooperation: Article 6 promotes international cooperation while allowing flexibility in how countries meet their climate goals, helping reduce global mitigation costs.
Operational Guidelines: The operational rules for Article 6 were finalized at COP26 (Glasgow, 2021), including mechanisms for ITMOs, the 6.4 mechanism, and reporting standards.
Significance:
Encourages private sector participation in carbon markets.
Promotes global emission reduction while supporting developing countries.
Strengthens the overall ambition of the Paris Agreement by enabling cost-effective mitigation.
