Justice Swatanter Kumar, Former Chairperson, National Green Tribunal emphasized the need of quick and economical steps to curb drastic climate change. He also urged to conduct proper environment assessments to address issues related to climate change.     

He was addressing a conference on ‘Adapting Environmental Laws for Effective Climate Response’ organized by OP Jindal Global University(JGU) along with WWF India in New Delhi. Justice Kumar asserted that climate change is a result of direct human intervention in natural activities. He also expressed serious concern over deforestation, receding of glaciers, release of toxic waste from factories and from ship-wreckage.     

Justice Swantantra Kumar stressed the need for environmental sensitization for judges, bureaucrats, and social activists at all levels. He added that the climate change is going to impact agriculture on which over 70 percent of our population depends. He also insisted for the need of alternate source of energy.      

The occasion was graced by academicians, environmentalists, eminent judges, and students that emphasized on taking the steps that should be implemented on priority. The Indian judiciary has played a crucial role in effectively enforcing Article 21 of the Indian constitution.  

Highlighting the importance of law and its role in fighting climate change, Founding Vice –Chancellor, OP Jindal Global University, (Dr) C Raj Kumar said, “The theme of this conference is important for the future of human kind. The hope is that understanding the need for addressing issues surrounding climate through law is a very important way by which we can build capacities to respond to huge crisis that is impending.”