DAW 11th November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

DAW 11th November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

Question

Discuss the difference between the Global Stock-take (GST) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Explain the purpose of GST and its significance in achieving the goals of the UNFCCC. (150 Words, 150 Marks). 

Model Answer

Approach: Introduction:  

  • Contextual introduction. 

  • Brief, precise, and establishes context (Paris Agreement, temperature goals, linkage between NDCs and GST). 

Body: 

  • Difference between GST and NDCs. 

  • Purpose and Significance of the Global Stocktake. 

Conclusion: 

  • Concise and insightful: “NDCs define ambition; GST refines it”. 

  • Connects back to the UNFCCC ethos (equity, climate justice, sustainable development). 

          

          Introduction: 

  • The Paris Agreement (adopted at COP-21 in 2015, in force since 2016) under the UNFCCC is a landmark in global climate governance. It seeks to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to cap it at 1.5°C.  To realise these goals, the Agreement established two key, complementary mechanisms- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Global Stocktake (GST) - ensuring a balance between national efforts and collective global accountability. 

 Body: Difference between GST and NDCs:  

Aspect 

Global Stocktake (GST) 

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 

Nature 

Collective, global assessment 

National, individual commitments 

Function 

Reviews global progress towards Paris goals 

Specifies domestic climate targets and policies 

Frequency 

Every 5 years 

Every 5 years (updated and enhanced) 

Approach 

Top-down, diagnostic and facilitative 

Bottom-up, voluntary and nationally driven 

Outcome 

Provides recommendations and signals for raising ambition 

Defines quantifiable national emission and adaptation goals 

Binding nature 

Non-binding, advisory in nature 

Legally binding in submission, not in achievement 

Linkage 

Informs and enhances subsequent NDCs 

Acts as the input for GST assessment 

 Purpose and Significance of the Global Stocktake: 

  • Guiding Collective Action: 

  • GST evaluates whether the sum of global efforts aligns with the Paris temperature goal and informs necessary course corrections. 

  • Enhancing Ambition: 

  • By exposing the gap between commitments and reality, it motivates nations to submit stronger NDCs in subsequent cycles. 

  • Ensuring Equity and Accountability: 

  • It highlights pre-2020 action gaps and calls on developed countries to deliver on finance and technology obligations - a key demand of the Global South. 

  • Informing Science-Based Policy: 

  • The GST integrates the best available science (IPCC findings) to ensure data-driven decisions and uniform methodologies for loss and damage assessment. 

  • Mobilising Means of Implementation: 

  • It identifies the scale of financial and technological support required- the 2023 synthesis report, for example, estimated USD 5.8-5.9 trillion needed for developing countries pre-2030. 

  • Promoting Just and Equitable Transitions: 

  • GST underlines the need for fair burden-sharing, technology co-development, and sustainable lifestyles- principles vital for India and other developing nations. 

 Conclusion: 

  • The NDCs and the Global Stocktake (GST) are the twin pillars of the Paris Agreement’s framework- NDCs set national ambition, while GST refines it through collective assessment. By ensuring transparency, accountability, and progressive ambition, the GST strengthens global climate cooperation. For India and the Global South, it offers a platform to uphold equity and demand greater finance and technology support, aligning climate action with sustainable development.