A special report by Ms Maffi Irish from TURIN(Italy)
Man’s self-indulgence assails nature, environment and ecology and wounded nature. In past decade, copious, absurd and distressing events has gained the focus of domestic and global notice to the impeding menace of ecological devastation, depletion of recourses and mass extinction of species. Consequently, the very fundamental foundation of global security is endangered and planet earth is unquestionably grief-stricken.
A global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to this crisis, turning ideas into action (virtually) was organized by PRATYeK, (a society that emphasis on ‘presence and right-relations for advocacy and training of the youth in earth-rights and kids-rights) on 17th October 2020 on Online with over 5000 participants across the globe. With the echo of this global concern, emphasising on the imperative to uphold 3 key concepts of environmental justice which includes distributive justice, procedural justice and justice as recognition was extensively reiterated.
The current Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis urged the vibrant participants to “focus on climate change before it’s too late.” Pope Francis also proposed the concept of ‘Integral Ecology’ – emphasising to respond together to the cry of the earth and weeping of the poor. Pope Francis reiterated that ‘Integral Ecology is an invitation to an integral vision of life, starting from the conviction that everything in the world is connected and the pandemic made us realize that we are interdependent on our mother earth. Pope Francis further advocated on taking immediate action on climate change and issued a papal letter entitled ‘Fratelli tutti’ meaning we are brother and sisters – on earth. His words reminiscents the concept of distributive justice which strives to uphold substantive rights to share environmental benefits such as clean air, water, land and sustain a healthy ecology parallelly impeding environmental freight such as pollution to air, water and land and there by safeguarding ecological integrity.
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge chronicled that “human transition and the speed of innovation has been incredible but it accelerated a huge impact on climate.” Evocating our fundamental duty (envisaged in the Indian Constitution) in this digital and rapidly urbanizing era we ought to protect and improve our natural environment and have more compassion for the living creatures so as to cherish its heritage both for our present and future generation.
His Excellency António Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations appealed that “no country is immune from climate crisis. In every country, it is the poorest and most vulnerable who are hit hardest, despite having done least to cause the problem.” He added that our outdated addiction to fossil fuels are causing unprecedented wildfires, more intense and frequent cyclones, floods, droughts, and other weather extremes and we ought to act now – if we don’t act now, this century may be one of humanity’s last.” Upholding yet another concept of environmental justice which strives to give access and recognition to both substantive and procedural rights to the haves and have nots, an anecdote to his utterance is the theme of the United Nations ie., ‘acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all.’ There is a pressing need to educate and accentuate on a principled, unprejudiced a conscientious use of our terra firma and renewable resources in the interest of a sustainable planet for the welfare of its inhabitants.
Mr.Albert Arnold Gore Jr, the former Vice President of the United States of America enjoined that ‘the notion of using our voice, finding our power, finding our passion to ensure this reminder will mark the beginning of a healthy, just, and sustainable future for all.’ Opposing destructive operations, with equal participation of the civil society in decision making process, execution, enforcement and evaluation with a holistic approach will growing impact on the environment. Introduction of the concept of Pubic Interest Litigation is a revolution – many enjoyed the benefits even in environmental context, this conduct of litigation facilitated participatory democracy to redress any failure of the legislative and the executive to enact and enforce environmental laws in the interest of the public, thereby giving access to justice for all in India today and hopefully in the future too.
Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi inscribed and reiterated the importance of the odd-even scheme which has reduced 25% pollution in the streets of New Delhi. It is vital for us to act decisively within our communities in repose to climate change. Our efforts and experience may often go unnoticed and unappreciated, the ability to contribute to positive and practical solutions can also be overlooked, but it is our obligation to continue to contribute to an environmentally safe livelihood.
Dr. Yamin Ali Haque, the UNICEF Representation in India added that ‘the findings of the mission and vision of PRATYeK will form part of the report during National Interaction of Child Parliamentarians with the Members of Parliament on International Children’s Day in November.’ Whilst this festschrift is a gift, a modest gesture and a token of appreciation and recognition of all efforts, together we ought to continue to venture and ensure environmental justice for all.
Brother. Steve Rocha, the Executive Director of PRATYeK and the national convener of the NINEISMINE Campaign remarked that “young people are much needed impetus towards creating re-evolutionary movement of earth and activists advocating for a radical way of living are one with in this one earth community.” Children have been striving to raise their voices to protect their rights. It is time to honour their voices, and encourage them to model a child-led advocacy.
Manisha (17), a child advocate and panellist stated that – “time is running out, we as young citizens have a crucial role to play in combating climate emergencies or else we have to face its consequences. Hence we have an obligation to act now.” Ram Kumar(13), India’s young nominee of the International Children’s Peace Prize Award and earth Pro-activist said “participating in this workshop I have realised that earth rights is also child rights, which in-turn is human rights. It is about fulfilling all rights for all, and children too.”
In the words of Pope John Paul II, “the earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it.” Mother earth is what we all have in common, it truly transcends politics and social boundaries and so let us vow to be unequivocally willing to sacrifice whatsoever we can today for our present and future generations…
Mother earth is optimal in the superlative, we do not own it to either destroy or fight on it is our responsibility to protect mother earth because it is worth fighting for. So let us change…for climate change!
(The author is Ms.Maffi, Advocate, she holds a degree in law from London, a Legum Magister in Legal Practice from the City University, UK and a Legum Magister from United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, Italy )
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