Wednesday, February 12, 2025
HomeEnvironmental ImpactsIncorporating Climate Change into Environmental Impact Reports

Incorporating Climate Change into Environmental Impact Reports

  1. "Climate Crisis: Bangladesh’s Southern Region at Risk of Vanishing Into the Ocean"
  2. "The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health: A Growing Concern"
  3. "Taking Action: The Urgent Need to Address Climate Change in Environmental Impact Assessments"
  4. "Madras High Court Takes a Stand on Climate Change in Development Projects"
  5. "From Extreme Heat to Rising Sea Levels: The Global Health Impacts of Climate Change"

In recent years, the impact of climate change on human health and well-being has become increasingly evident. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), climate change poses a significant threat to essential elements of good health such as clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply, and safe shelter. The WHO estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change could lead to approximately 2,50,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress alone, with direct health costs estimated to be between $2 and 4 billion per year by 2030.

The global climate crisis is also expected to have a devastating impact on vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, ethnic minorities, people with pre-existing health conditions, and those living in poverty. A recent study conducted in India revealed that working in extreme heat can double the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage for pregnant women, highlighting the underestimated impact of climate change on health.

In response to these growing concerns, a significant public interest litigation was filed in the Madras High Court by G. Sundarrajan of the environmental NGO Poovulagin Nanbargal. The plea raised the crucial issue of the absence of a climate change component in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for large-scale construction or development projects. Sundarrajan emphasized the importance of considering the impact of climate change from the beginning of a project until its completion, including factors such as carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, and effects on community health.

The First Division Bench of the Madras High Court acknowledged the validity of the plea and called on the Centre to respond within two weeks. This case has the potential to set a precedent for incorporating climate change considerations into EIAs, reflecting the global recognition that climate change can no longer be ignored. Several countries, including the Bahamas, France, Chile, the United States, China, and Australia, have already enacted legislation to address and mitigate the effects of climate change.

As a nation that is expected to be deeply affected by climate change, it is crucial for India to take proactive measures to conserve progress and prevent further environmental degradation. By enacting laws that prioritize environmental protection and sustainability, India can contribute to global efforts to combat the challenges posed by climate change.

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