CBDR vs LMDC

Why in News?

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, India urged that the summit must not alter the “architecture” of the Paris Agreement, reaffirming the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). Representing the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC), India stressed a focus on adaptation, equity, and called for countries to submit their National Adaptation Plans.

Description:

ParameterCBDR (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities)LMDC (Like-Minded Developing Countries)
Full FormCommon but Differentiated ResponsibilitiesLike-Minded Developing Countries
NaturePrinciple / concept in international environmental lawGroup / coalition of developing countries
OriginEstablished at Rio Earth Summit, 1992; codified in Article 3(1) of UNFCCCFormed in early 2000s as a negotiation bloc under UNFCCC and WTO
Legal BasisEnshrined in UNFCCC, later reflected in Kyoto Protocol (1997) and Paris Agreement (2015)Not a treaty-based body; informal alliance for collective negotiation
Core Idea / ObjectiveAll countries share responsibility for climate action, but developed nations bear greater responsibility due to historical emissions and capacityTo represent developing nations’ interests and demand climate equity, finance, and CBDR implementation
Key Principle“Equity and differentiated obligations” based on historical emissions and respective capabilities“Climate justice and fairness” — developed nations must deliver on finance, tech transfer, and adaptation support
Members / ParticipantsApplies to all UNFCCC member countries~20 countries including India, China, Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Cuba etc.
Focus AreasFair burden-sharing in emission cutsClimate finance & technology transferSustainable development balancePush for $100 billion climate financeOppose uniform Net Zero 2050 targetSupport CBDR principle in COP negotiations
Implementation MechanismReflected through Kyoto Protocol (binding) and Paris Agreement (voluntary NDCs)Influences group stance at COP summits, especially in climate finance and equity debates
Recent Context (2024–25)Central theme at COP29 (Baku, Azerbaijan) for equitable climate responsibilityIssued joint statements before COP27 (2022) & COP29, demanding enhanced climate finance and technology transfer
India’s StandStrong advocate of CBDR-RC (Respective Capabilities)Founding & active member; uses LMDC platform to amplify voice of Global South
Global SignificanceFoundational principle of global climate governancePolitical coalition upholding CBDR and equity within negotiations

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