"We have to perform our role to protect our communities": CJI Chandrachud stresses on importance of climate change
Oct 20, 2024
Panaji (Goa) [India], October 20 : Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, while emphasising the need to address climate change, stated that everyone must play their part in protecting communities, as climate change affects not only affluent societies but also the most marginalised.
Speaking at the release of a book titled 'Traditional Trees of Bharat', compiled and edited by the Governor of Goa, PS Sreedharan Pillai, during a programme held at Raj Bhavan on Saturday, CJI Chandrachud said, "This is not necessarily our doing. We are the inheritors of the actions of previous societies across the world in their pursuit of industrialisation and greenhouse gas emissions. However, we must do our part to protect our communities. As we know, climate change is not only impacting affluent societies; it is also affecting the most marginalised."
"It is affecting fishing communities, where rising sea levels are impacting their livelihoods, and those dependent on subsistence farming. Our response to climate change must be to protect the most vulnerable sections of society. Our lives as Indians are deeply embedded in the environment," the CJI added.
He also praised Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai for compiling the book on traditional trees.
Governor Pillai commended CJI Chandrachud's efforts in promoting local languages within the judicial system. He highlighted the decision to translate over 10,000 Supreme Court judgments into local languages, calling it a commendable initiative that will allow the public to access legal rulings in their native tongues.
"India has a vibrant democracy, and the Indian Constitution has always received the utmost respect from the courts through their functioning," Pillai added.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant remarked that the book *Traditional Trees of Bharat* underscores the deeply rooted connection between people, culture, and nature.
"The book provides information about traditional trees, contributing to the promotion of the country's ecological heritage," said the Chief Minister.
The book contains various articles authored by well-known environmentalists, researchers, and scholars in the fields of history, ecology, and nature. It is based on a symposium on Traditional Trees of India, recently held at Raj Bhavan.
