Published On: 2nd May 2025
Authored By: Subhadarsini Patra
ABSTRACT
Climate change is increasingly impacting our environment due to a variety of contributing factors. It is not a new concept and may occur either due to natural phenomena or human activities, although human influence remains the dominant cause. This phenomenon significantly affects our surroundings, daily human activities, and ecosystems. The continual rise in global temperatures and extreme weather patterns are manifestations of these changes. Climate change poses a serious threat to the natural balance of the Earth.
INTRODUCTION
Climate change refers to the gradual rise in Earth’s average temperature, significantly affecting the planet’s ecosystems and all forms of life, including humans and animals. It leads to alterations in weather patterns and results in severe conditions such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, and reduced rainfall. Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and excessive use of natural resources accelerate these changes. Climate change presents a pressing issue in today’s world, and our environment continues to suffer. It is essential to adopt effective strategies to protect the environment for the well-being of present and future generations.
Causes Of Climate change
Various factors contribute to climate change. While some are natural, such as volcanic eruptions and other geological activities, most are human-induced. The major human-driven causes include industrialization, deforestation, improper waste disposal, agricultural practices, population growth, and pollution.
Industrialisation
Industrialisation is a significant contributor to climate change. With societal development comes an increase in industrial activities. These industries emit large amounts of greenhouse gases and pollutants, which adversely affect the air and water. The discharge of industrial waste and emissions leads to severe environmental degradation.
Cutting down the trees
Deforestation is another major factor influencing climate change. Trees are crucial for maintaining ecological balance by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. However, large-scale tree-cutting for urban development and infrastructure projects directly disrupts this balance, leading to increased atmospheric temperatures.
Transportation
In the current era, transportation is a leading source of environmental pollution. Emissions from vehicles release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, contributing to air pollution. For instance, cities like Delhi face severe air pollution due to vehicle emissions. Additionally, pollutants also contaminate water bodies, as seen in the pollution of the Ganga River.
Population
Population growth is another contributing factor. As the population increases, so do activities such as construction, industrial expansion, and vehicle use, all of which place additional stress on the environment and escalate pollution levels.
Use of fertilizer
The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture also impacts climate change. These chemicals degrade soil quality and lead to pollution of nearby water sources, thereby disturbing the natural environment.
Effect Of Climate Change
Climate change has profound effects on daily life and the environment. The key consequences include:
-
Increased frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and cyclones.
-
Escalation in health issues, including skin diseases from water pollution and respiratory disorders from air pollution. It may also increase risks of cancer and other serious illnesses.
-
Shortages in food and water due to disturbed agricultural cycles and water contamination.
-
Rising sea levels and degraded environmental quality.
Climate Change Law And Policies
Several laws and policies have been enacted to protect the environment and reduce pollution. These include:
The Forest Conservation Act, 1980
This Act was introduced by the central government to safeguard forest areas. According to the Act, forest land cannot be used for non-forest purposes without government approval. The law aims to prevent deforestation and ensure ecological balance.
The Environmental Protection Act, 1986
This Act was implemented following the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. It serves as a comprehensive law that supports other regulations like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and others. The Act empowers the central government to take necessary steps for environmental protection and includes the establishment of the ECOmark program to reduce harmful industrial practices.
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
This legislation was enacted to ensure clean and pollution-free air. Since air is a primary carrier of pollutants, the Act focuses on reducing air pollution and implementing preventive measures.
The Factories Act, 1948
Amended to incorporate safety standards in workplaces, this Act ensures the welfare of factory workers by mandating proper working conditions and environmental safeguards within industrial facilities.
Wildlife Protection Act, 2002
This Act provides for the protection of wildlife species. It seeks to preserve the health and safety of animals and their habitats.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1977
This Act was established to ensure the cleanliness of water resources. It addresses pollution caused by industrial and agricultural waste and aims to maintain the purity of water bodies.
Additionally, policies have been formulated to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases and promote a cleaner, healthier environment. These include:
National Action Plan On Climate Change
Announced in 2008 by the Prime Minister, the National Action Plan aims to ensure ecological balance and sustainable development. It includes missions such as the National Solar Mission, National Water Mission, and the National Mission for Sustainable Development. Its objectives also encompass poverty eradication and improving the standard of living.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
This convention was established in 1992 and includes agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol. Its purpose is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote global cooperation for a healthier atmosphere.
The Paris Agreement
An international treaty with 196 participating countries, the Paris Agreement aims to limit the global temperature rise to below 2°C. It encourages countries to collaborate and support each other financially and technically to address climate change.
The Kyoto Protocol
Enacted in 2005, this protocol mandates developed countries to adopt specific measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With 192 member parties, it focuses on accountability among nations better equipped to implement environmental reforms.
Energy Conservation Policies
Introduced by the Government of India, these policies promote efficient energy use. They aim to minimize energy wastage by advocating practices like using energy-efficient lighting and switching off unused appliances. The policy emphasizes both conservation and better utilization of energy.
Global And National Perspectives On Climate Change
To combat climate change and promote a pollution-free environment, several national and global perspectives have emerged.
Global Perspective On Climate Change
Climate change is a critical global concern influenced by numerous factors. Organizations worldwide are contributing to this cause. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) utilizes modern technology to identify and solve climate-related problems. NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, studies greenhouse gas effects and has launched the Earth System Observatory to collect data on climate conditions.
National Perspective on Climate Change
India has developed several national-level strategies to address climate change. The National Action Plan on Climate Change focuses on mitigation and health-related impacts. According to the World Health Organization, climate change could cause approximately 250,000 deaths between 2030 and 2050. The action plan aims to strengthen healthcare systems to address climate-induced illnesses such as heatwaves.
Constitutional rights on climate change
The Indian Constitution recognizes the importance of environmental protection. The Supreme Court of India has established several guidelines under Articles 48A and 51A(g) to safeguard the environment. These provisions mandate the state and citizens to protect and improve the natural environment.
Judicial Trends
Several landmark cases highlight judicial contributions to environmental protection:
-
Bombay Environmental Action Group v. State of Maharashtra: The Bombay High Court emphasized the conservation of mangroves to preserve biodiversity.
-
Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India: The Supreme Court advocated the establishment of Green Benches for the efficient handling of environmental cases.
-
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India: The Supreme Court ordered measures to prevent pollution of the Ganga River, recognizing its cultural and practical importance.
Conclusion
Climate change is a pressing global issue with far-reaching consequences for humans, animals, and ecosystems. As stewards of the Earth, it is our responsibility to ensure a sustainable and clean environment for future generations. A pollution-free environment is a fundamental right that must be preserved.
To achieve this, we must abide by constitutional and legal provisions designed to protect the environment. Climate change adversely affects human health and leads to frequent natural disasters, such as the California wildfires. Collective action, public awareness, and responsible behavior are crucial to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable living.
Reference
Sehgal, D.R. (2020) Climate change: New laws are the need of the hour, iPleaders. Available at: https://blog.ipleaders.in/climate-change-new-laws-need-hour/ (Accessed: 17 January 2025).
Causes and effects of climate change (no date) United Nations. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/causes-effects-climate-change (Accessed: 17 January 2025).
Moy, A. (2023) A global perspective on climate change: Engineering solutions for a sustainable future, IEEE Innovation at Work. Available at: https://innovationatwork.ieee.org/a-global-perspective-on-climate-change-engineering-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future/ (Accessed: 17 January 2025).
(No date) National action plan on climate change (NAPCC). Available at: https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2021/dec/doc202112101.pdf (Accessed: 17 January 2025).
(No date a) Constitutional provisions for the protection … Available at: https://www.indianbarassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/environmental-law-article.pdf (Accessed: 17 January 2025).
(No date b) Unfccc.int. Available at: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-kyoto-protocol/history-of-the-kyoto-protocol/text-of-the-kyoto-protocol (Accessed: 17 January 2025).
LawBhoomi (2025) Important case laws on environmental law, LawBhoomi. Available at: https://lawbhoomi.com/important-case-laws-of-environmental-law/ (Accessed: 17 January 2025)
Biblography
Editor_4, Ridhi and Peace, W. (2021) Climate change: Is The world doing enough?, SCC Times. Available at: https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2021/03/22/climate-change/ (Accessed: 17 January 2025).
Manupatra (no date) Manupatra, Articles. Available at: https://articles.manupatra.com/article-details/FROM-BUSTARDS-TO-BENCHMARKS-CONSTITUTIONAL-RIGHT-AGAINST-CLIMATE-CHANGE-IMPACT (Accessed: 17 January 2025).
