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Right to live is a fundamental human right. It is recognised by Indian constitution. But the big question is whether our young generation which has not yet reached the age of voting has an equal right to live? Do the humans of our next generation which is yet to be born, are full-fledged Indian citizen and have the same and equal right to live? And if they have a full-fledged right to live, who is going to defend that right in their absence or when they are not able to vote? Who , on their behalf, is going to keep an eye on the actions and policies of our government and of the present active generation to see that these are not harmful to the life of these sub adult and yet unborn citizen? My daughter is 16 year old and wants to live for at least 80 years. I also want my grandson or granddaughter to live for at least 80 years. But global warming beyond 2 degree centigrade caused by our government’s planned increase in coal production by 92 million tons per year, in the next few years, will result in increase in emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by 337 million tonnes per year. This amounts to killing all future generations prematurely and probably causing extinction of human race from the Earth by the year 2100. The capital invested in these new coal mines or for modernization of old coal mines will be so much that it will be impossible to close them down prematurely in the next 20 years. If any way we have to shift to non Fossil energy in next 20-30 years, then for temporary energy arrangements, it will be better to import oil or natural gas for supplying energy till we build up sufficient wind energy or solar energy or atomic energy capacity. Then we will be able to stop importing oil or gas at even a short notice . Burning coal is just one cause of global warming. There are several other aspects of global warming which must be taken into consideration while taking any actions or planning any policies.
Everybody should remember that climate change is not reversible for at least 1000 years. I request the government and all the present active generation citizens not to seal the fate next generations for temporary gains in economy or employment, or just for ease of life and convenience.
In light of these pressing issues, it is crucial to recognize that climate change poses a significant threat not only to the environment but also to our legal frameworks and governance structures.
I strongly feel that we need a fully empowered constitutionally independent commission to look after the welfare of next generations and to scrutinize the actions and policies of the present governments to make sure that they are not detrimental to the life of next generations.
Dr. Subhash Athale
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