Experts support the proposal of the states to establish an environment council. They believe it would help in the development green policies to implement India’s climate action. The idea of establishing a separate climate council was discussed at the World Sustainable Development Summit, where representatives from India suggested a separate body to accelerate climate action.
Avinash Chanchal (Campaign manager, Greenpeace India), stated that an agency whose primary mission is to focus on climate action would be able to accelerate action and bring coherence into the actions at the local level.
“There is no doubt that accountability must be established for all climate policies announced by the government. Unfortunately, the current policies have not been fully implemented on ground. Chanchal stated to PTI that these policies are often not legally binding.
He stated that the environment council can facilitate and coordinate climate action.
“‘An agency with a primary mandate to focus on climate actions would be helpful to accelerate action at the local level and bring coherence. It can be a useful hub for coordinating climate actions. It cannot, however, replace local efforts.
It must play a bridging function and ensure that climate policies are implemented on the ground in spirit and letter. Chanchal stated that such agencies could signal that we are serious in climate action.
Bhavreen Kandhari, an environmentalist, said that such a council reduces the chance of people shrugging off their responsibilities.
It’s a welcome step for all states to be involved in their own capacities and brought together on one platform by the environment minister.
Kandhari stated, “Also (having council) gives less chances to shrugging off responsibility on each other as was the case between Delhi-Nearing States on the matter of stubble burning.”
Vikrant Tongad is an environmentalist and founder of Social Action for Forest and Environment. He believes that such a council will allow states to tackle climate change more effectively.
“We have demanded such a department for the states for a very long time, so that they can work effectively on climate changes. He said that now states will be able work effectively on climate change.
Kamal Narayan (CEO, Integrated Health and Wellbeing Council) believes that India can set up a separate environmental council to help it take more targeted climate action.
He stated that the majority of laws relating to climate change or environmental preservation are implemented in individual states.
“Climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience are all part this. India pledged at COP26 to reduce carbon emissions. However, the goal of achieving it beyond preindustrial levels is still a long way away. He stated that the creation of an entity such as the environment council will help in solving these issues.
Narayan said that the council can also help in the development and implementation of environment-friendly policies.
“Climate change must be addressed as a global issue and requires all governments to work together. India, on its part, could create an environmental council to bring together all states and Union Territories. “The need for a concerted effort by all states to join forces, leave aside their differences, work together is the greatest need of our time,” he said. The creation of the environmental council will help India achieve its goal to be net-zero in 2070,” he stated.
Experts agree that it will be important to see how the agency interacts and collaborates with the existing regulatory bodies.
“‘It will prove crucial to see how such a agency interacts with existing regulatory bodies. We need coordinated climate action at both the national and regional levels. This must be done in a strict time-bound fashion.
Chanchal stated, “While doing so, it is also necessary to strengthen the existing system as well as provide sufficient funds for existing climate plans.”
Kandhari shared a similar view and said, “The big issue now is how this new council will enforce the climate action on-the ground from real vigilante boots on the ground in order to prosecute the violators.” Aditya Thackeray, Maharashtra’s Environment minister, proposed a council of environmental experts on the lines of the GST Council. This would allow for the setting of targets at the national and state levels.
The session was attended by James K Sangma, Meghalaya Environment Minister, and Palanivel Thiagarajan, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister.
(This story was not edited by Devdiscourse staff. It is generated automatically from a syndicated feed.
