Intergenerational Climate Justice
Contextual Background —
“As set out by the United Nations, intergenerational climate justice is grounded in the idea that the “pursuit of welfare by the current generation should not diminish opportunities for a good and decent life for succeeding generations”. Along with the narrower but related concept of intergenerational equity, which states that “every generation holds the Earth in common with members of the present generation and with other generations, past and future”, the two concepts coalesce around three main pillars of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: humanity’s collective duties to the future; creating new global public goods to be enjoyed by present and future generations alike; and inclusive governance and decision-making.” [LSE’s Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment]
“Intergenerational climate justice is thus a multidimensional concept, encompassing the ascription of responsibility for past and current greenhouse gas emissions, the distribution of endowment and natural resources (distributive justice ), the displacement and imposition of types of climate risks, the restoration of earth systems and relationships between humans and nature (restorative justice ) and governance structures in decision-making (procedural justice ).” [LSE’s Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment]
Indian Context —
In the Indian Knowledge System (Bharatiya Darshan), the concept of Puruṣārthas (object of human pursuit) comprises four proper goals or aims of human life which are 1. Dharma (righteousness, moral values), 2. Artha (prosperity, economic values), 3. Kama/Kaam (pleasure, love, care, psychological values) and 4. Moksha (liberation, spiritual values, self-actualization) is akin to the idea of intergenerational equity and justice, as that upholds the very principles of Sustainability, Nyaya [outcome-oriented justice], and Niti [concept of rule-based law]. Puruṣārtha in a nutshell realizes intergenerational equity and justice, by pursuing Artha and Kama/Kaam while ensuring Dharma to achieve and realize Moksha and Nirvana and maintaining Stithpragya (steady intellect/wisdom) and fulfilling ‘Pancha Rna’ (five debts).
Sources and References —
- Report of the Secretary-General on Intergenerational solidarity and the needs of future generations [https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/2006future.pdf]
2. What is meant by intergenerational climate justice? [https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/explainers/what-is-meant-by-intergenerational-climate-justice/#:~:text=Intergenerational%20climate%20justice%20is%20thus,climate%20risks%2C%20the%20restoration%20of]
3. Climate Change and Intergenerational Justice [https://academic.oup.com/book/11169/chapter-abstract/159637638?redirectedFrom=fulltext]
4. Intergenerational Approaches to Climate Action [https://climateaging.bctr.cornell.edu/annotated-bibliography/intergenerational-approaches-to-climate-action]
5. Impact of Puruṣārthas in modern life: An observation [https://www.anantaajournal.com/archives/2017/vol3issue3/PartB/3-3-8-790.pdf]
Authored by —
Adv. Abhishek Kumar, Founder and Curator — The Sangyan
NCPEDP — Javed Abidi Fellow on Disability
