New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) two-day International Conference on ‘The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics’ in New Delhi, bringing together jurists, policymakers, scientists, academicians and environmental experts from across the world.
The Prime Minister also launched the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Mobile Application during the inaugural session, aimed at strengthening access to the tribunal’s digital services.
The inaugural session was attended by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava.
PM Modi Highlights India’s Environmental Tradition and Climate Action
Addressing the conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s longstanding cultural and historical connection with nature.
He emphasised how India’s ancient environmental wisdom continues to influence contemporary approaches to climate solutions and can contribute to collective global action on environmental challenges.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the National Green Tribunal’s efforts towards advancing environmental protection and climate-related action and congratulated the organisers for convening the international conference.
CJI Surya Kant Highlights Evolution of Environmental Jurisprudence
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant highlighted India’s contribution to environmental jurisprudence and the development of legal principles for environmental protection.
He noted that the Supreme Court has, over the decades, recognised the right to a pollution-free environment as a fundamental right.
He also highlighted important principles developed through Indian environmental jurisprudence, including:
- Precautionary principle
- Polluter pays principle
- Absolute liability
- Public trust doctrine
Justice Surya Kant said climate jurisprudence has increasingly brought climate-related rights into constitutional focus, particularly where the effects of climate change can affect fundamental rights linked to equality, livelihood and health.
He called for greater cooperation between judicial institutions, scientific communities and countries to strengthen global environmental stewardship.
Bhupender Yadav Highlights India’s Climate and Renewable Energy Progress
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s climate commitments and renewable energy progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the figures cited at the conference, non-fossil sources account for 54.18% of India’s installed electricity capacity, surpassing the 2030 target of 50% nine years ahead of schedule.
The Minister also highlighted that India:
- Ranks third globally in renewable energy installed capacity.
- Is the world’s second-largest solar growth market.
- Is pursuing economic development alongside climate action.
He said these developments demonstrate that economic growth and environmental action can move forward together.
India Highlights Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation Efforts
Bhupender Yadav also highlighted India’s efforts in wildlife and ecosystem conservation.
He referred to initiatives including the Cheetah reintroduction programme and the conservation breeding programme for the Great Indian Bustard.
The Minister also highlighted conservation and restoration efforts involving:
- Woodlands
- Grasslands
- Wetlands
- Forest ecosystems
According to the information presented at the conference, India’s forest and tree cover has reached 8.27 lakh square kilometres.
He also referred to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), according to which India has retained its third position globally in annual net forest-area gain.
India to Focus on Equity and Implementation Ahead of COP31
Looking ahead to UNFCCC COP31 in Antalya, Bhupender Yadav said India would continue to emphasise climate action centred on equity, implementation and the needs of vulnerable countries.
He stressed the importance of international forums that bring together judges, policymakers, scientists, practitioners and environmental experts, particularly as environmental challenges increasingly cross national boundaries.
The Minister said the global choice should not be viewed simply as one between development and the environment, but between sustainable development and development that cannot be sustained.
Attorney General Calls for Stronger Global Environmental Framework
Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani emphasised that no country can address global environmental challenges independently.
He called for global environmental action to move beyond declarations towards practical and enforceable mechanisms.
The Attorney General also called for a new global environmental regulatory framework and stronger international institutions to address environmental justice.
He highlighted the need to integrate environmental concerns with issues such as:
- Energy security
- Food security
- Housing
- Health
- Water
- Ecosystems
- Economic opportunities
NGT Chairperson Highlights Collective Responsibility for Environment
NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava highlighted India’s approach to environmental governance and global environmental cooperation.
He said India’s initiatives demonstrate its commitment to building a cleaner, greener, more resilient and sustainable India.
Justice Shrivastava emphasised that environmental protection cannot be the responsibility of a single institution or sector. He described it as a collective national and global responsibility.
He also noted that the consequences of environmental degradation can often affect people who are least responsible for causing such damage.
PM Modi Launches National Green Tribunal Mobile Application
During the inaugural session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched the National Green Tribunal Mobile Application.
The launch forms part of the conference’s broader focus on strengthening environmental institutions and improving access to environmental justice and related services through technology.
International Conference Brings Together Stakeholders from 17 Countries
The two-day conference has brought together jurists, academicians, policymakers, scientists, environmental experts and other stakeholders from 17 countries.
International organisations including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are also participating.
The conference is focused on dialogue and knowledge exchange covering judicial, scientific, policy and institutional best practices.
It also seeks to promote collaborative action on pressing environmental and climate challenges that require cooperation across countries and institutions.
Conference Covers Climate Justice, Environmental Law and Governance
The conference features four technical sessions, with two sessions held on the first day.
Climate Justice, Equity and Inclusion
Technical Session-I, titled ‘Climate Justice, Equity and Inclusion: From Principles to Action’, focused on the relationship between climate action, equity and inclusion.
The session also examined:
- Environmental and social safeguards
- Climate justice
- The interconnected impacts of climate change
- Environmental degradation
- Inclusive approaches to climate action
Future of Environmental Law and Governance
Technical Session-II, titled ‘The Future of Environmental Law and Governance’, focused on strengthening environmental institutions and enforcement mechanisms.
The discussions covered:
- Sustainable and liveable cities
- Energy transition
- Green infrastructure
- Green finance
- Environmental governance
Conference to Develop Roadmap for Future Environmental Cooperation
The international conference aims to strengthen environmental law and institutions while advancing climate justice and inter-generational equity.
It also seeks to promote sustainable and resilient cities, support a just energy transition and encourage collaborative approaches to transboundary environmental challenges.
The conference provides a platform for sharing research, best practices and innovative solutions, while encouraging partnerships among countries and institutions.
The discussions are also expected to contribute towards developing actionable recommendations and a roadmap for future cooperation on environmental and climate-related challenges.
