Experts back the proposal by the states to create an environment council. This council would aid in the development of green policies to implement India’s climate change action.
At the World Sustainable Development Summit (WDSD) recently concluded, representatives of states proposed a separate council to address climate change.
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 about the importance of fixing the accountability of every government-approved climate policy.” “Unfortunately, current policies are not getting fully implemented in the field. Chanchal stated that many of these policies don’t have any legal binding. He stated that the environment council could help coordinate and facilitate climate action.
“An agency with a primary mission to focus on climate action could be useful to accelerate actions and bring coherence at the local level. It can be a useful hub for coordinating climate actions and facilitation. It cannot, however, replace local efforts.
“It should play a bridging function and ensure the implementation on the ground of climate policies in letter and spirit. Such agencies could send the signal that we are serious about climate action,” Chanchal said.
Bhavreen Kadhari, an environmentalist, stated that having such a council reduces the likelihood of each party assuming all responsibilities. “It’s a welcome initiative to include all states in their respective capacities and bring them together on a platform with the environment minister.
Kandhari stated, “Also, having a council gives less chances of shrugging off responsibilities on each other as has been the case between Delhi-nearing states on stubble burning.”
Vikrant Tongad is an environmentalist and founder of Social Action for Forest and Environment. This council will aid states in tackling climate change.
“We have demanded such a department for the states for a very long time in order that the states could work effectively on climate change. He said that states will now be able to effectively work 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 only implemented by individual states.
Climate resilience, climate adaptation, and climate mitigation are all part of 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 the resolution of these issues.
Narayan said that the council can also help in the development and implementation of environment-friendly policies.
“Climate Change is a global problem that requires a concerted effort by all governments. India could, for its part use an environment council to bring together all the states and Union Territories.
“A concerted effort is needed in which all states unite, put aside their differences and work together. He stated that India will be able to achieve its goal of becoming net-zero by 2070 with the establishment of the environment council. Experts also feel that it will be crucial for the public to see how such an agency interacts and interacts with existing regulatory agencies.
“It will be vital to see how such an agency interacts and collaborates with the existing regulatory bodies. Coordinated climate action at the national and regional level is essential. This must be done in a time-bound fashion. Chanchal stated, “While doing this it is also required that it strengthens the existing system and provides sufficient funds to existing Climate Plans.”
Kandhari shared a similar view and stated, “The big problem 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.”
At a ‘ministerial session on sub-national leadership for inclusive green growth’ at the WSDS organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) from February 16-18, Maharashtra’s Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray had proposed an environmental council on lines of the GST Council, saying having such a body would help set targets at the national level and implement at the state level.
Apart from Maharashtra’s Environment Minister James K Sangma of Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan attended the session.
With PTI inputs.
