Practice question
A State recognizes the serious environmental threat and identifies several preventive responses. It claims Rio15 requires the most expensive imaginable measure regardless of effectiveness or capability. Another official says limited capability means no precaution ever applies. Which statement is sound?
- Cost is irrelevant under the declaration's wording.
- Every State has an unrestricted exemption whenever resources are limited.
- The principle bans all possible projects.
- The text calls for wide application according to capabilities and refers to cost-effective measures; neither categorical claim follows.
- Only wealthy States may read Principle15.
Legal references
- Rio Declaration (1992), Principles1,3–5 and15: https://www.cbd.int/doc/ref/rio-declaration.shtml
- ICJ, Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change, Advisory Opinion, July23 2025, main opinion, paragraphs158 and293–294: https://icj-web.leman.un-icc.cloud/sites/default/files/case-related/187/187-20250723-adv-01-00-en.pdf
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