Climate Justice Takes Centre Stage As PM Modi Opens NGT’s Global Environment Conference, Launches Mobile App
Climate justice, environmental law and the need to balance development with ecological protection took centre stage on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Green Tribunal’s two-day international conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” in New Delhi and launched the NGT Mobile Application.
The conference has brought together judges, policymakers, scientists and environmental experts from 17 countries, besides representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme and Asian Development Bank, to discuss legal, scientific and institutional responses to mounting environmental and climate challenges.
Addressing the gathering, Modi highlighted India’s civilisational relationship with nature and said traditional environmental wisdom could contribute to modern climate solutions. He also highlighted India’s renewable-energy expansion and other initiatives aimed at combining economic growth with environmental protection.
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant underlined the evolution of India’s environmental jurisprudence, noting that the Supreme Court has recognised the right to a pollution-free environment as a fundamental right. He referred to principles including the precautionary principle, polluter pays principle, absolute liability and the public trust doctrine.
The CJI also said climate change has acquired a sharper constitutional dimension, with its effects potentially impacting fundamental rights relating to equality, livelihood and health, and called for closer cooperation between courts, scientists and policymakers.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said non-fossil sources now account for 54.18 per cent of India’s installed electricity capacity, surpassing the country’s 2030 target of 50 per cent ahead of schedule. He also highlighted conservation efforts involving cheetahs, the Great Indian Bustard, forests, grasslands and wetlands.
Attorney General R Venkataramani called for international environmental action to move beyond declarations towards practical and enforceable mechanisms, stressing that environmental challenges cannot be tackled by individual countries alone.
The first two technical sessions focused on climate justice, equity and inclusion and the future of environmental law and governance, covering environmental safeguards, sustainable cities, energy transition, green infrastructure and green finance.
The NGT Mobile Application launched by Modi provides mobile access to key tribunal information, including case status, cause lists and orders and judgments.
The conference will continue on Sunday with sessions on planetary environmental challenges, international cooperation, and forest protection and restoration.