Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), represented India at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

During a panel discussion on the judiciary’s role in implementing forest laws, Justice Shrivastava highlighted the significance of legal frameworks in addressing global environmental challenges.

Speaking to an audience of international policymakers, legal experts, and climate advocates, Justice Shrivastava underscored the judiciary’s role in enforcing environmental laws, promoting sustainability, and ensuring compliance with international agreements. He called for stronger collaboration between national legal systems and global environmental protocols to tackle pressing issues like climate change, forest conservation, and pollution control.

Judiciary’s Role in Environmental Protection

Justice Shrivastava pointed out that courts and tribunals play a pivotal role in holding governments and corporations accountable for environmental violations. In his address, he highlighted how the judiciary can act as a guardian of forest laws and biodiversity conservation, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

“Judicial systems across the globe have a critical responsibility in interpreting and enforcing laws that prioritize the environment. Without legal oversight, the effectiveness of environmental policies remains limited,” he said.

He cited several landmark judgments by the NGT, which have set precedents in areas such as pollution control, forest protection, and sustainable development in India. Justice Shrivastava noted that such decisions have not only upheld environmental laws but have also shaped policy-level changes.

Need for Global Collaboration
In his remarks, Justice Shrivastava stressed the importance of harmonizing national and international legal frameworks to address global environmental challenges effectively. He argued that climate change, deforestation, and pollution are transboundary issues that require collective action and shared responsibility.

“National legal frameworks must align with international treaties and conventions to achieve meaningful outcomes in the fight against climate change,” he said. He emphasized the need for capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the legal apparatus in developing countries, enabling them to enforce environmental laws more effectively.

India’s Commitment to Environmental Governance
Justice Shrivastava’s participation at COP29 underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its environmental governance. As the Chairperson of the NGT, he has been at the forefront of ensuring the implementation of environmental laws in India.

He highlighted India’s proactive measures, such as afforestation programs, renewable energy projects, and sustainable urban planning initiatives, as examples of balancing economic growth with environmental protection. He also called on other nations to draw inspiration from India’s efforts and adopt a more inclusive approach to sustainability.

Judiciary as an Enabler of Sustainable Development
Justice Shrivastava emphasized that the judiciary must act not only as a regulator but also as an enabler of sustainable development. He encouraged courts worldwide to adopt innovative approaches, such as ecological compensation and restorative justice, to address environmental harm.

Judicial systems must evolve to meet the demands of the changing climate landscape. Innovative legal tools and mechanisms are essential to ensure environmental justice and sustainable development,” he said.

The Path Ahead
As COP29 progresses, the role of the judiciary in global climate governance continues to gain attention. Justice Shrivastava’s address highlighted the need for integrating judicial oversight with policymaking to create a robust and accountable environmental governance system.

His insights also reinforced the message that addressing environmental challenges requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, legal institutions, civil society, and the private sector.

With nations grappling with the twin challenges of development and environmental conservation, the judiciary’s role, as outlined by Justice Shrivastava, will remain critical in ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Read More:- India Must Strengthen Manufacturing Before Embracing Free Trade: Sajjan Jindal