Developed nations emitting more carbon than India: CJI

Stresses importance of international law as very "effective instrument" for protection of human rights and environment

Developed nations are emitting more carbon than developing countries like India, Chief Justice of India T S Thakur today said while emphasising the importance of international law as a very "effective instrument" for protection of human rights and environment.

Highlighting the importance of International Law in the current scenario, he said in the era of conflict of jurisdictions across the globe, it is an apt time that "we prepare ourselves to address issues like dispute of river water, space law, refugee law, custody of children."

Thakur was adressing a seminar organised by International Law Association on the topic of 'Principles of Engagement of Domestic Courts with International Law & Recognition/Non- Recognition in International Law'.

"The world is coming closer to provide a unified system of enforcement of law....We must prepare ourselves not only in terms of legislation but also in terms of our ability to address international issues as and when they arise," he said.

Referring to developed nations in the context of environment, Thakur said, "Today if you see ozone layer decreasing it is not because India is emerging or it is dependent on coal for its power needs but it is because industrialised nations have been emitting carbon for the past 200 years."

"The dimensions of International Law have gone beyond the comprehension of any nation in the recent times. For example, issues regarding environment and climate change. Today, if environment degradation takes place in any part of the world, we are affected. An industrially advanced country, which emits carbon, depletes ozone layer and affects entire human race.

"In international context if there was a law with respect to human rights or those living in less developed countries, it will be a very effective instrument," he said.

"In Kyoto, a resolution was passed which said that let developed economies reduce their emission by 1 per cent. America, which even refused to reduce its emission by even 1 per cent, is today emitting something 10 metric tonnes more carbon per capita. It has emitted carbon for the past 200 years.