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?

Question

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the &ldquo;Declaration on Climate and Health&rdquo;.
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&rsquo;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?

Accepted Answer

Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

Explanation: Correct Answer: ✅ Option 3 At COP28, India did not sign the Declaration on Climate and Health. India's concern was not about the objective of climate-resilient healthcare, but about the practical implications of rapid decarbonization in a developing country where ensuring reliable and accessible healthcare remains a priority. ✅ Statement I is Correct: India refrained from signing the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health. ❌ Statement II is Incorrect: The declaration is voluntary and non-binding. Signing it does not create a legal obligation to decarbonize the health sector. ✅ Statement III is Correct: India expressed concerns that aggressive decarbonization requirements could affect the resilience, accessibility, and reliability of healthcare services, especially in resource-constrained settings. ✅ Statement III explains Statement I: Concerns regarding healthcare resilience and developmental priorities contributed to India's decision not to sign the declaration. ❌ Statement II does not explain Statement I: Since the declaration is not legally binding, this statement is factually incorrect. Short Notes: COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health The declaration was launched at COP28 (Dubai, 2023). It highlights the link between climate change and public health. The declaration is voluntary and non-binding. It encourages countries to build climate-resilient and sustainable health systems. More than 120 countries supported the declaration. India did not sign due to concerns over healthcare accessibility and developmental priorities. Climate change increases risks from heatwaves, diseases, floods, and extreme weather events.

Detailed Explanation:

Short Notes: COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health

Question 1 of 5 Global Climate Initiatives

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