Common but differentiated responsibilities
In one line: Common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) means every country must help protect the climate, but richer countries that emitted more should do more.
Where it comes from
The principle was written into the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, usually with the words 'and respective capabilities' (CBDR-RC). It reflects two facts: most carbon already in the atmosphere came from industrialised countries, and they have more money and technology to cut emissions.
How it has been applied
The Kyoto Protocol (1997) set binding targets only for developed countries. The Paris Agreement (2015) kept the principle but asked all countries to set their own targets, reading CBDR 'in the light of different national circumstances'.
Why it is in the news
The Prime Minister's statement that developing countries are wrongly blamed for emissions is a direct appeal to CBDR.
Where to go next
- Nationally Determined Contributions
- International Solar Alliance
Common but differentiated responsibilities in the news
- At NGT's climate conference, Modi says developing nations are wrongly blamed for emissions 20 September 2026
The equity principle behind India's climate diplomacy.
- After a deadly glacier collapse, Nepal seeks climate compensation, not aid 9 September 2026
The principle behind Nepal's claim.
- UK recognises India's carbon credit trading scheme under its carbon border tax 8 September 2026
The principle India invokes against border taxes
Previous-year questions on this
- 2026 · GS3 · 10 marks Discuss how the contradiction between 'rapid infrastructure development' and 'disaster-risk reduction' in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples.
- 2025 · GS3 · 10 marks What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met?
- 2022 · GS2 · 15 marks 'Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.
- 2021 · GS1 · 10 marks Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.
- 2018 · GS2 · 15 marks How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.
- 2017 · GS3 · 15 marks 'Climate Change' is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?
- 2014 · GS3 · 12.5 marks Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with…
- 2016 · Prelims Consider the following statements: 1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the…