THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION: A FOCUS ON INDIA
AUTHOR – MOHAMMAD UMAR* & & DR. ARVIND KUMAR SINGH*
* STUDENT AT AMITY UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW, UTTAR PRADESH
** PROFESSOR AT AMITY UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW, UTTAR PRADESH
BEST CITATION – MOHAMMAD UMAR & & DR. ARVIND KUMAR SINGH, THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION: A FOCUS ON INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 1488-1493, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
Climate change is one of the most urgent international challenges of the 21st century, affecting ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere has led to rising global temperatures, unpredictable climate patterns, and devastating environmental failures, including floods, droughts, cyclones, and wildfires. These changes pose a critical threat to biodiversity, food security, water availability, and human health.
India, with its large population, diverse geography, and rapidly growing economy, is particularly prone to the influences of climate change. The country faces severe weather activities, glacier melt in the Himalayas, rising sea levels affecting coastal areas, and intense air pollution in major towns. These environmental challenges endanger the livelihoods of millions, particularly marginalized groups that lack resources to adapt.
Environmental law plays an essential role in addressing climate change by establishing regulations, guidelines, and legal frameworks aimed at reducing emissions, promoting sustainable development, and protecting natural resources. India has enacted several significant environmental laws, including The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, The Air
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.Moreover, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) offers a comprehensive roadmap for India’s climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Despite having a robust legal framework, the implementation of environmental laws remains a primary challenge due to weak enforcement mechanisms, bureaucratic inefficiencies, financial constraints, and conflicts between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Corruption, lack of coordination among government agencies, and insufficient public awareness further hinder effective policy execution. This paper critically examines India’s environmental laws, highlights the key challenges in their enforcement, and explores potential solutions to strengthen their effectiveness in combating climate change. By enhancing governance, ensuring stricter compliance, increasing public participation, and leveraging technological advancements, India can enhance its capability to cope with climate change and work toward a more sustainable and resilient future.