A Half-Hearted Climate Change Verdict

The Supreme Court of India's recent extension of constitutional rights to include protection from the ill-effects of climate change has sparked both hope and criticism, amidst global concern over the escalating climate crisis.

Right against Climate Change as a Fundamental Right:

• Significance of the judgment: The Court's decision expands constitutional rights to encompass protection from the adverse impacts of climate change, offering a glimmer of hope amid the alarming ecological predicament faced by the world.
• Potential for action: The judgment has the potential to catalyze actions aimed at mitigating, adapting to, or reversing the impacts of the climate crisis, particularly in addressing the disproportionate burden borne by marginalized communities.
• Flaws in the judgment: The judgment fails to adequately address certain critical aspects related to India's proposed energy transition and alternative approaches to sustainable development.
  
  

Issues with India's Energy Transition:

• Inclusion of problematic energy sources: The government's definition of "non-fossil-fuel" and "renewable" energy encompasses large hydropower and nuclear plants, which pose significant ecological and social challenges, including biodiversity loss, displacement of communities, and long-term nuclear waste concerns.
• Adverse impacts of mega-renewable projects: Mega-solar and wind projects also come with adverse environmental consequences, such as land degradation, habitat destruction, and displacement of local communities, while being excluded from rigorous environmental impact assessments.
• Failure to reduce coal investments: Despite substantial investments in renewable energy, the government continues to greenlight new coal mining projects, exacerbating environmental degradation and social injustices, especially in indigenous areas.
  
  

Mains question:

Discuss the recent Supreme Court judgment extending constitutional rights to protect individuals from the adverse impacts of climate change in India.