Why in news
The Supreme Court of India is considering how to address the impacts of renewable energy projects on the endangered Great Indian Bustard in the case M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India
M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India
The core issue in M.K. Ranjitsinh is the protection of an endangered bird, the Great Indian Bustard, from the adverse impacts of solar and wind energy projects
In April 2024, in the case, the SC recognised a human right against the adverse impacts of climate change
The Supreme Court’s current framing of the case is seen as pitting decarbonisation against biodiversity protection, potentially prioritizing one over the other
Just transition concept
The concept originated in the 1970s to protect workers affected by environmental regulations and was later included in the Paris Agreement.
Initially focused on human workers and vulnerable communities, just transition is now seen as potentially including non-human entities like endangered species
This concept aims to ensure that the process of decarbonisation is fair and equitable, considering both human and non-human affected parties
Just transition seeks to make climate action inclusive by ensuring that the benefits and burdens of decarbonisation are distributed fairly among all stakeholders
Advantages of Just Transition Framing
Introduces the non-human environment, like endangered species, into just transition considerations, broadening its application.
Balances decarbonisation efforts with the protection of affected communities and species, avoiding the prioritization of one over the other
If adopted, the just transition approach could set a new precedent in climate litigation, influencing future cases involving both human and environmental concerns
Encourages more research and understanding of just transition litigation in India, highlighting its importance in climate law.
The Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), the State bird of Rajasthan, is considered India’s most critically endangered bird.
It is considered the flagship grassland species, representing the health of the grassland ecology.
Its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Small populations occur in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The bird is under constant threats due to electrocution with power transmission lines, hunting (still prevalent in Pakistan), habitat loss and alteration as a result of widespread agricultural expansion, etc.
GIBs are a slow-reproducing species.
They lay a few eggs and have almost a year-long parental care of chicks.
The GIB achieves maturity in around 3-4 years.
Protection status
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix 1
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
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