Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Green Tribunal's two-day International Conference on 'The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics' in New Delhi on September 19, 2026. During the inaugural session, the Prime Minister launched the National Green Tribunal Mobile Application and highlighted India's profound historical connection to nature, emphasizing how ancient cultural wisdom is shaping modern climate solutions and inspiring global collective action.
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant highlighted India's longstanding environmental jurisprudence, noting that the Supreme Court has recognized the right to a pollution-free environment as a fundamental right and developed principles including the precautionary principle, polluter pays principle, absolute liability, and public trust doctrine. The Chief Justice stated that Indian climate jurisprudence has brought climate-related rights into sharper constitutional focus, recognizing that adverse effects of climate change can implicate fundamental rights relating to equality, livelihood, and health.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav underscored India's significant climate achievements, revealing that non-fossil sources now account for 54.18% of installed electricity capacity, surpassing the 2030 target of 50% nine years ahead of schedule. India ranks third globally in renewable energy installed capacity and is the world's second-largest solar growth market. The Minister also highlighted India's forest and tree cover reaching 8.27 lakh square kilometres, with India retaining its third position globally in terms of annual net forest-area gain according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 by the UN FAO.
India's wildlife and ecosystem conservation achievements were emphasized, including the successful Cheetah reintroduction programme and conservation breeding programme of the Great Indian Bustard, along with conservation and restoration of woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. Looking ahead to UNFCCC COP31 in Antalya, India will continue to advocate climate action centred on equity, implementation, and the needs of vulnerable countries.
Attorney General for India Shri R. Venkataramani emphasized that global action must move beyond declarations towards practical and enforceable mechanisms, calling for a new global environmental regulatory framework and stronger international institutions to address environmental justice while integrating concerns relating to energy and food security, housing, health, water, ecosystems, and economic opportunities.
The two-day conference brought together jurists, academicians, policymakers, scientists, environmental experts, and other stakeholders from 17 countries across the world, along with international organizations including United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event focused on four technical sessions covering climate justice, equity and inclusion; environmental law and governance; strengthening institutions and enforcement mechanisms; and sustainable cities, energy transition, green infrastructure, and green finance.
The conference aimed to strengthen environmental law and institutions, advance climate justice and inter-generational equity, promote sustainable and resilient cities, facilitate a just energy transition, and foster collaborative action on transboundary environmental challenges. It also focused on sharing research, best practices, and innovative solutions, building partnerships, and developing actionable recommendations and a roadmap for future cooperation.