National Green Tribunal conference calls for stronger environmental governance

During the valedictory session of the National Green Tribunal’s international conference on ‘The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics’, legal experts and officials called for strengthened environmental governance and global cooperation to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.

Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna emphasized that environmental law must evolve to address emerging risks and scientific uncertainty rather than just past violations. She advocated for a shift from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric approach, noting that human interests should not automatically supersede those of the non-human world. Justice Nagarathna also highlighted the necessity of intergenerational equity and the importance of addressing how environmental degradation disproportionately affects different communities.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that environmental challenges require a multidisciplinary approach combining law, science, economics, and governance. He noted that climate change is a current reality impacting agriculture, forests, and urban areas.

National Green Tribunal Chairman Justice Prakash Shrivastava echoed these calls, stressing the need for inclusive and equitable climate action. He noted that communities with fewer resources often face higher risks and argued that legal and institutional frameworks must be forward-looking, embracing technology, innovation, and sustainable finance to protect the planet for future generations.