International Conference on The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the two-day International Conference on "The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics" in New Delhi, organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Key Highlights of the Conference

  • Brought together jurists, experts, policymakers and stakeholders from 17 countries, along with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
  • Focused on knowledge exchange and best practices in judicial, scientific and policy domains.
  • Promoted dialogues on the relationship between environment, climate change, development, and environmental justice.

Major Highlights of the PM's Address

Per Capita Carbon Emissions & Equity
  • India's per capita GHG emissions remain less than half the global average, while developed nations emit up to six times more per capita.
  • As per the UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2024, India's per capita GHG emissions were 2.9 tCO2e in 2022, compared with the global average of 6.6 tCO2e per person per year.
  • The PM reiterated the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR–RC), emphasizing that developing nations must not be unfairly penalized for historical emissions.
Early Achievement of COP21 Paris NDCs
  • India is the only G20 nation to fulfil its original Paris Agreement (COP21) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) well ahead of the 2030 deadline.
  • Surpassed the 50% non-fossil fuel electric capacity milestone (reaching 52.57% by February 2026) and drastically slashed carbon intensity.
Pioneering Global Green Alliances
  • International Solar Alliance (ISA) and One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)
  • Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)
  • International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
  • Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) for mass behavioural change
Exponential Clean Energy Expansion
  • Non-fossil energy capacity expanded by nearly 400% over the last 12 years.
  • Solar capacity grew from ~2 GW (2014) to over 160 GW (2026), alongside a threefold surge in wind energy and a strategic push for nuclear power.
Judicial Accessibility for the Environment
  • Inaugurated the NGT Mobile App to democratize legal remedies, expedite dispute resolution, and bolster transparent environmental governance.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

About
  • A specialized statutory body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for swift and effective resolution of multi-disciplinary environmental disputes.
Procedural Flexibility
  • As per Section 19 of the NGT Act, the tribunal is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 or the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
  • Operates on the principles of natural justice and aims to dispose of cases within 6 months.
Tribunal Composition
  • Headed by a Chairperson (a retired Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice of a High Court).
  • Supported by 10 to 20 Judicial Members and 10 to 20 Expert Members with specialized environmental or scientific credentials.
Powers and Enforcement
  • Functions with the authority of a Civil Court and exercises suo motu powers (initiating cases independently).
  • The Supreme Court in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai v. Ankita Sinha (2021) upheld the suo motu jurisdiction, recognizing the NGT as a sui generis institution.
  • Empowered to impose penalties, order environmental restitution, and award compensation under the Polluter Pays Principle and the Precautionary Principle.
Appellate Mechanism
  • NGT decisions are legally binding; appeals lie directly before the Supreme Court of India within 90 days.
Significance
  • Enforces the fundamental right to a healthy environment under Article 21.
  • Ensures compliance with Environment Impact Assessments (EIA).
  • Reduces the environmental litigation burden on regular courts.

Previous Year Question (Prelims 2018)

Q. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

  1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
  2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Ans: (b) 2 only — Statement 1 is incorrect because the CPCB is a statutory body constituted under the Water Act, 1974, not by executive order.