Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement I:
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change.
Statement II:
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets.
Statement III:
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets.
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
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Answer & Explanation:
✅Correct Answer: (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
Explanation:
Statement I – Correct
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is one of the most debated and discussed provisions in global climate negotiations. It is central to international cooperation on climate action and has major implications for sustainable development, climate finance, and mitigation strategies, which is why it features prominently in global discussions.
Statement II – Correct
Article 6 lays down the framework for international carbon markets:
- Article 6.2 allows countries to voluntarily cooperate through transfer of mitigation outcomes (carbon credits) to meet their climate targets.
- Article 6.4 establishes a UN-supervised global carbon market mechanism, similar in spirit to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol.
This market-based cooperation is a major reason for the prominence of Article 6.
Statement III – Correct
Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement recognises non-market approaches to climate cooperation. These include technology transfer, capacity building, policy coordination, and adaptation measures, without involving carbon trading. Such inter-country cooperation helps nations achieve their climate goals while supporting sustainable development.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- Options (b) and (c) are incorrect because both Statements II and III explain why Article 6 is widely discussed, not just one.
- Option (d) is incorrect because Statements II and III are both factually correct.