MEVE 012: Unit 14 - Environmental Governance

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UNIT 14: ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE

14.0 Objectives

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

  • Understand the concept of environmental governance at global and national levels.
  • Identify key international agreements and summits guiding global environmental action.
  • Examine the evolution of environmental governance in India.
  • Describe the roles and responsibilities of MoEFCC, CPCB, and SPCBs.
  • Understand the principles and processes essential for good environmental governance.
  • Outline the objectives and features of India’s National Environment Policy (NEP).

14.1 Introduction

Environmental governance refers to the processes and institutions through which decisions about the environment are made, implemented, and monitored. It goes beyond regulation and includes a broad range of actors—governments, businesses, civil society, and international institutions.

Good environmental governance promotes transparency, inclusiveness, accountability, equity, and sustainability in managing natural resources and addressing environmental issues.

14.1.1 Global Environmental Governance

Global environmental governance involves coordinated international efforts to manage shared environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It encompasses treaties, institutions, and summits that promote collective environmental action.

14.1.2 Sustainable Development

The concept of sustainable development was popularized by the Brundtland Commission in 1987. It calls for development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Sustainable development became the guiding framework for many environmental treaties and governance models worldwide, integrating economic, social, and environmental objectives.

14.1.3 Earth Summits

The Earth Summits have played a central role in shaping global environmental governance:

  • Stockholm Conference (1972): First global environmental summit; led to the creation of UNEP.
  • Rio Earth Summit (1992): Introduced Agenda 21, UNFCCC, CBD, and Forest Principles.
  • Johannesburg Summit (2002): Reinforced sustainable development goals.
  • Rio+20 (2012): Led to the formulation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

14.1.4 Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)

MEAs are legally binding agreements between countries to address specific environmental issues. Key examples include:

  • UNFCCC (climate change)
  • CBD (biodiversity)
  • CITES (endangered species trade)
  • Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (hazardous substances)
  • Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol (ozone layer)

14.1.5 MDGs to SDGs

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2000–2015) laid a foundation for addressing poverty and environmental sustainability. In 2015, they were succeeded by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the UN’s 2030 Agenda, comprising 17 goals and 169 targets.

Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 14: Life Below Water, and Goal 15: Life on Land directly address environmental sustainability, while others indirectly influence environmental outcomes.

14.2 Environmental Governance in India

14.2.1 Evolution of Environmental Governance in India

India’s environmental governance evolved significantly post-1970s, influenced by international developments, domestic movements, and legal activism.

14.2.1.1 Constitutional Amendments

  • 42nd Amendment (1976) added:
    • Article 48A: Directive to protect and improve the environment.
    • Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty to protect the environment.

14.2.1.2 Actors of Governance Studies

  • Government Bodies: Ministries, Pollution Control Boards, Judiciary.
  • Non-State Actors: NGOs, local communities, industries.
  • Judiciary: The Supreme Court and High Courts have played an activist role through PILs and landmark judgments (e.g., MC Mehta cases).
  • Media and Academia: Play a role in awareness and policy critique.

14.2.2 Environmental Governance: Institutions

  • MoEFCC: Central authority on environmental policy and legislation.
  • CPCB: National pollution monitoring and advisory body.
  • SPCBs: State-level implementation and regulation of environmental laws.
  • National Green Tribunal (NGT): Specialized body for environmental justice.

14.2.3 Environmental Governance: Processes

  • Legislative Processes: Enactment and amendment of environmental laws.
  • Regulatory Mechanisms: Permits, licenses, impact assessments.
  • Participatory Mechanisms: Public hearings, EIA consultations.
  • Judicial Oversight: PILs, environmental jurisprudence.

14.3 Factors Responsible for Good Governance

14.3.1 Accountability and Transparency

  • Essential for trust in governance.
  • Mechanisms: public access to environmental data, independent audits, social accountability tools (e.g., RTI).
  • Ensures that authorities and industries are answerable for their environmental decisions.

14.3.2 Participation and Consensus

  • Involves communities, NGOs, scientists, and industry in decision-making.
  • Enhances legitimacy and effectiveness of environmental decisions.
  • 14.3.2.1 Environmental Protection Act (1986):
    • Umbrella legislation post-Bhopal disaster.
    • Empowers central government to take all necessary measures to protect the environment.

14.4 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

14.4.1 Introduction

MoEFCC is the apex body for planning, promotion, coordination, and overseeing the implementation of India's environmental and forestry policies and programs.

14.4.2 Objectives of MoEFCC

  • Conservation of natural resources.
  • Regulation of pollution and environmental degradation.
  • Promotion of sustainable development.
  • Coordination of international environmental agreements.

14.4.3 Major Work Allocated to MoEFCC

  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) clearance.
  • Management of biodiversity and wildlife.
  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation.
  • Forest conservation and afforestation programs.
  • Coordinating with CPCB and SPCBs.

14.5 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

14.5.1 Introduction and Objectives

CPCB, under MoEFCC, is a statutory organization established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

Its mission is to promote cleanliness of streams, wells, and ambient air quality.

14.5.2 Powers and Functions of CPCB

  • Monitor and control water and air pollution.
  • Advise the central government on environmental issues.
  • Coordinate with SPCBs and enforce pollution control laws.
  • Develop pollution control technologies and guidelines.

14.5.3 Activities of CPCB

  • National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
  • Pollution source inventory and action plans.
  • River and lake pollution assessment.
  • Hazardous waste and e-waste management support.

14.5.4 Organisational Structure of CPCB

  • Headquartered in Delhi.
  • Regional offices across India.
  • Divisions: Air Lab, Water Lab, Waste Management, Environmental Assessment, etc.
  • Headed by a Chairperson and a Member Secretary.

14.6 State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

14.6.1 Introduction and Objectives

SPCBs are autonomous bodies set up under the Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 to function at the state level.

They play a key role in implementing environmental laws, issuing clearances, and monitoring compliance.

14.6.2 Functions of the State Boards

  • Consent to establish and operate industries.
  • Monitoring air and water quality.
  • Public hearings and EIA consultation.
  • Legal enforcement and prosecution in case of violations.

14.6.3 Powers of the State Government

  • Appoint SPCB members.
  • Issue directives to the SPCB.
  • Frame state-specific environmental rules.
  • Coordinate disaster response and pollution emergencies.

14.7 National Environment Policy (NEP)

14.7.1 Objectives of NEP

The NEP 2006 provides a comprehensive framework to guide environmental management in India. Its key objectives include:

  • Conservation of critical environmental resources.
  • Inter-generational equity.
  • Integration of environmental concerns into economic and social development.
  • Enhancing environmental governance through partnerships.
  • Strengthening environmental standards, research, and education.

14.9 Let Us Sum Up

Environmental governance combines legal, institutional, and participatory frameworks to manage and protect the environment. Globally, summits and MEAs have shaped cooperative action, while in India, the evolution of governance has been shaped by laws, institutions like MoEFCC and CPCB, and public engagement. Strong governance, rooted in accountability, participation, and effective institutions, is essential for sustainable environmental protection and development.

14.10 Keywords

  • Environmental Governance: Decision-making processes involving the environment and natural resources.
  • Sustainable Development: Development that balances environmental, economic, and social goals.
  • Earth Summits: Global conferences on environment and sustainability.
  • Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs): International treaties addressing environmental issues.
  • MoEFCC: Apex ministry responsible for environment and climate in India.
  • CPCB: Central agency for pollution control and monitoring.
  • SPCBs: State-level pollution control agencies.
  • NEP: India’s National Environment Policy guiding environmental action.

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