The principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities', often talked about in media, refers to

The principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities' (CBDR-RC) is a foundational precept of the international climate change regime, formalized in the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) [3]. It acknowledges that while all states are responsible for addressing global environmental degradation and climate change, they are not equally responsible [5]. This differentiation is based on two factors: the historical contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, which originated largely in developed countries, and the varying technological and financial capacities of nations to address the crisis [1]. Consequently, the principle dictates that developed countries should take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing financial and technological support to developing nations [5]. This framework ensures equity by balancing the shared goal of climate protection with the diverse economic realities of different states [2].

Sources

1. [1] Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources > Common but Differentiated Responsibilities > p. 87
2. [3] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > KATOWICE CLIMATE PACKAGE > p. 603
3. [5] Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources > SACRED GROVES IN INDIA > p. 89
4. [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > Indialooks for Enhanced Implementation of the Unfccc > p. 338
5. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > 23.5. CLIMATE EQUITY MONITOR > p. 307