Why is the idea of common but differentiated responsibilities important in the Paris Climate Agreement?

Correct answer: All countries are linked to climate crisis but capacity and historical responsibility differ

The direct answer is A: all countries are connected to the climate crisis, but their capacity and historical responsibility differ. Common but differentiated responsibilities means that climate change is a shared global problem, yet countries have not contributed equally and do not have equal financial or technological capacity. Industrialized countries generally have a longer history of high emissions, while developing countries often need development space and support. The principle therefore supports cooperation, finance, technology sharing and fairer burden-sharing; it does not mean that only one country is responsible. Option A is correct. B is wrong because climate change has many contributors. C is wrong because historical emissions and past development are relevant to fairness. D is wrong because countries do cooperate through the agreement. Memory cue: common problem, different contribution and capacity.