The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]

(a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East

(b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change

(c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

(d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals

Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

• In December 2015, an international climate agreement was reached at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris.
• Prior to this, countries publicly announced their plans for post-2020 climate actions, which were referred to as their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
• The success of the Paris Agreement in achieving its long-term objectives of limiting global warming to below 2°C, pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C, and achieving net zero emissions in the second half of this century largely depends on the climate actions outlined in these INDCs.