Question

Assertion A : Problems of global environmental change pose serious challenges to democratic political systems, as they currently exist.
Reason R: We need a thicker conception of citizenship, like environmental citizenship that obligates citizens to inculcate environmentally sensitive behaviour.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

In Assertion-Reason questions, if the 'Reason' sounds like a solution or a suggestion to the 'Assertion', it is rarely the "correct explanation". An explanation must define the 'Why' or 'How' of the problem itself.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Political systems face difficulty in dealing with long-term global problems like climate change due to short-term electoral cycles.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Assertion A is correct: Democratic systems are often slow to respond to global ecological crises because of political interests and jurisdictional limits.
- Reason R is correct: One proposed solution is the concept of "environmental citizenship," which emphasizes the duties of citizens toward the earth.
Since the proposed "thicker conception" in R is the necessary evolution needed to solve the "challenge" mentioned in A, R serves as the explanation for how we must adapt our systems.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both are correct and R provides the path forward to address the challenge in A.