Today, On 12th July, Justice Surya Kant expressed hope that the Indian legislature would take proactive steps to address climate change. His remarks came during an event attended by Supreme Court judges focusing on environmental issues. The event emphasized the urgent need for legislative measures to combat the climate crisis.
New Delhi: Justices Surya Kant, P.S. Narasimha, Sanjay Karol, and K.V. Vishwanathan of the Supreme Court participated in a book release and discussion event. The occasion saw the esteemed justices gather to commemorate the unveiling of a new publication, engaging in insightful discussions about its content and broader themes.
Justice Vishwanathan highlights the alarming increase in global temperatures, marking the period from 2011 to 2024 as the warmest on record. This trend presents a severe threat to humanity’s existence.
KV Vishwanathan, J stated,
“It has been observed that the period from 2011 to 2024 has been the warmest on record, posing a significant and urgent existential threat. Scientific evidence suggests that current temperatures are the highest they have been in the past 100,000 years. While many nations are enacting laws to regulate carbon emissions, this strategy might not be the best fit for a developing country like India. In the Ranjeet Singh case concerning the Great Indian Bustard, the Supreme Court affirmed that citizens have the right to protect themselves from the adverse effects of climate change.”
Justice Karol discusses how agricultural practices, particularly the excessive use of fertilizers and dependence on groundwater irrigation, have intensified the effects of climate change. He stresses that despite substantial government efforts and investments in cleaning the Ganges River, the environmental state remains concerning.
Karol, J stated,
“The excessive use of fertilizers and over-reliance on groundwater irrigation have worsened this issue, clearly showing the impact of climate change on agriculture. Despite successive governments’ investments to clean the Ganges, the situation remains problematic. Much more effort is needed in this area.”
Justice Karol reiterates the adverse effects of agricultural practices on climate change, emphasizing that these practices have significantly exacerbated the problem.
Karol, J further stated,
“The excessive use of fertilizers and over-reliance on groundwater irrigation have worsened this issue, clearly showing the impact of climate change on agriculture. Despite successive governments’ investments to clean the Ganges, the situation remains problematic. Much more effort is needed in this area.”
Justice Kant shares an observation from the Netherlands, where people forgo air conditioning even in extreme heat, illustrating a commitment to sustainable practices. He criticizes the practice of developed countries exporting plastic waste to developing nations, highlighting a significant environmental justice issue.
Kant, J stated,
“I was in the Netherlands for a conference and noticed they do not use air conditioning, even when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius. People were sweating but still chose not to use AC. Developed countries often export their plastic waste to developing nations. India is striving to prevent ecological damage and implement measures to reduce carbon emissions. I hope the Indian legislature will proactively enact the necessary laws to address climate change. It’s crucial to first understand the phenomenon itself.”
The participation of Supreme Court justices highlights the judiciary’s commitment to addressing environmental concerns and supporting legislative measures for a greener future. The event not only highlighted the importance of the book but also fostered an environment for intellectual exchange and reflection on its thematic implications.