What is the news?

 

• • Supreme Court judge Justice K V Viswanathan highlighted the grave threat posed by climate change and advocated for establishing a permanent commission in India, similar to NITI Aayog.

• • This editorial explores the significance of his statement, the challenges posed by climate change, and the potential impact of a dedicated commission.

 

Climate Change: An Existential Threat

 

Understanding the Impact

 

• • Climate change, driven by human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions, is causing significant shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. These changes have far-reaching consequences, affecting agriculture, water resources, health, and biodiversity.

 

Consequences for India

 

India is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its diverse geography. The Global Climate Risk Index 2021 ranked India as the eighth most vulnerable country to climate change impacts in 2019. Key areas of concern include:

 

• • Agriculture: Changes in rainfall patterns and increased extreme weather events threaten food security.

• • Water Resources: Melting glaciers and altered monsoon patterns disrupt water supply, leading to scarcity and flooding.

• • Health: Rising temperatures and pollution levels contribute to health issues such as heatwaves, respiratory problems, and the spread of vector-borne diseases.

• • Biodiversity: Ecosystems and wildlife are at risk due to habitat destruction and changing climate conditions.

 

The Need for a Permanent Commission

 

Justice K V Viswanathan’s Proposal

 

• • Justice Viswanathan’s call for a permanent commission dedicated to climate change underscores the urgency of the situation. He suggests an institution like NITI Aayog, focusing solely on creating and implementing a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change.

 

Role and Responsibilities

 

A permanent commission on climate change would have several critical functions:

 

• • Policy Formulation: Develop long-term policies and action plans to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

• • Research and Innovation: Promote scientific research and technological innovations to address climate-related challenges.

• • Coordination and Implementation: Ensure effective coordination among government departments, NGOs, and the private sector for seamless implementation of climate policies.

• • Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assess the impact of climate policies and make necessary adjustments to achieve desired outcomes.
    Public Awareness and Education: Enhance public awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices.

Oversight and Net Zero Goals

 

• • With India’s changing climate patterns and the multitude of crises due to climate change, a Climate Commission can provide essential oversight to address these issues. India’s goal of reaching Net Zero by 2070 is a step in the right direction, and a dedicated commission can play a crucial role in turning this goal into reality.

 

Lessons from NITI Aayog

 

NITI Aayog, established in 2015, replaced the Planning Commission to provide a holistic approach to policy-making in India. Its success in driving economic and social development can serve as a model for a climate change commission. Key takeaways include:

 

• • Collaborative Approach: Engaging with states, central ministries, and various stakeholders to ensure inclusive and participatory governance.

• • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and analytics to inform policy decisions and track progress.

• • Flexibility and Adaptability: Adapting strategies based on changing circumstances and emerging challenges.

 

Additional Insights :

 

• • At a recent event, Justice K V Viswanathan emphasized the need for a Climate Commission, a sentiment echoed by many experts. This commission would help formulate and implement comprehensive strategies to address climate change, considering its intersectional impacts on health, livelihoods, and human rights. A Climate Commission could coordinate efforts across ministries and states, ensuring a cohesive approach to mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building. Additionally, recognizing climate change as a fundamental right, as seen in the April 2024 Supreme Court ruling, underscores the urgency for dedicated institutional frameworks to address this crisis.

 

Expert Opinions

 

• • Advocate Jatinder Cheema and climate action advocate Sankalp Suman highlight the critical need for a Climate Commission. Such a body would ensure that India’s approach to climate change is not fragmented but holistic, addressing cross-border impacts and national security concerns. A dedicated commission would also enable the creation of a national loss and damage fund and a separate budgetary allocation for climate initiatives, enhancing India’s capacity to adapt and build resilience.

 

Conclusion

 

• • Climate change is an existential threat that demands immediate and sustained action. Justice K V Viswanathan’s advocacy for a permanent commission dedicated to climate change is a timely and necessary step. Such a commission, modeled on the lines of NITI Aayog, could play a pivotal role in formulating and implementing a comprehensive strategy to safeguard India’s environment, economy, and future.

• • For UPSC aspirants, understanding the importance of institutional frameworks in addressing complex challenges like climate change is crucial. As future policymakers and leaders, they must recognize the value of proactive and coordinated efforts in building a resilient and sustainable nation.
  • The government should take note of the Supreme Court’s position on the urgent threat posed by climate change and act swiftly to establish a Climate Commission.

 

 

QuizTime:

 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

The proposal for a permanent Climate Commission in India, akin to NITI Aayog, aims to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to combating climate change. Justice K V Viswanathan emphasized the urgency of addressing this existential threat.

Necessity of a Climate Commission:

Vulnerability to Climate Change:

• • India ranks as the eighth most vulnerable country to climate change impacts according to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021.
  • Diverse geographic and climatic conditions heighten the risk to agriculture, water resources, health, and biodiversity.

 

Current Challenges:

• • Fragmented efforts across various ministries and departments.
  • Lack of a unified strategy for mitigation and adaptation.

 

Potential Benefits:

Comprehensive Policy Formation:

• • Develop long-term policies for climate mitigation and adaptation.
  • Promote research and innovation to address climate challenges.

 

Effective Coordination:

• • Ensure seamless implementation of climate policies through coordination among governmental departments, NGOs, and the private sector.

 

Data-Driven Decision Making:

• • Utilize data and analysis for informed policy decisions and progress tracking, drawing lessons from NITI Aayog’s success.

 

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• • Regular assessment of climate policies’ impacts and necessary adjustments to achieve desired outcomes.

 

Public Awareness and Education:

• • Increase public awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices.

 

Contribution to India’s Climate Goals:

 

Net-Zero Target by 2070:

• • A dedicated commission can streamline efforts to meet this target through focused and coherent strategies.

 

Building Resilience:

• • Enhance India’s capacity to adapt to changing climate patterns and minimize losses due to climate-induced disasters.

 

Conclusion:

• • A permanent Climate Commission in India could significantly strengthen the nation’s response to climate change by providing a structured, coordinated, and data-driven approach. It would play a crucial role in achieving India’s net-zero target by 2070 and safeguarding the country’s environment, economy, and future generations.

 

 

Model Answer:

 

The establishment of a Climate Commission in India, as proposed by Justice K V Viswanathan, is aimed at addressing the multi-dimensional impacts of climate change through a centralized and systematic approach.

Key Challenges:

Institutional Framework:

• • Integrating various existing institutions and ministries into a cohesive framework.
  • Overcoming bureaucratic inertia and resistance to change.

 

Resource Allocation:

• • Ensuring adequate funding and resource allocation for the commission.
  • Balancing economic growth with sustainable development goals.

 

Public and Political Will:

• • Garnering public support and political will for climate action.
  • Addressing the interests of various stakeholders, including industries and local communities.

 

Strategic Measures:

Legislative Support:

• • Enacting laws to formalize the establishment and functioning of the Climate Commission.
  • Defining clear mandates and powers for effective policy implementation.

 

Capacity Building:

• • Training and equipping personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge.
  • Encouraging collaboration with international experts and organizations.

 

Stakeholder Engagement:

• • Involving various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society, in the planning and execution of climate strategies.
    Promoting community participation and local solutions.

 

Research and Innovation:

• • Investing in scientific research to develop innovative solutions for climate challenges.
  • Encouraging technological advancements in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and water management.

 

Addressing Multi-Faceted Impacts:

Agriculture:

• • Developing climate-resilient crops and farming practices.
  • Providing support to farmers through education and financial incentives.

Water Resources:

• • Implementing integrated water resource management strategies.
  • Enhancing water conservation and rainwater harvesting practices.

Health:

• • Strengthening healthcare infrastructure to handle climate-related health issues.
  • Promoting public health campaigns to mitigate the effects of heatwaves, pollution, and vector-borne diseases.

Biodiversity:

• • Protecting natural habitats and promoting conservation efforts.
  • Restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use practices.

Conclusion:

• • Establishing a Climate Commission in India is essential to address the complex and interconnected impacts of climate change on agriculture, water resources, health, and biodiversity. By implementing strategic measures and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the commission can play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and resilient future for India.

 

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire UPSC Current Affairs.