Climate Justice and Environmental Equity — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, the strategy for Climate Justice and Environmental Equity should focus on factual accuracy and conceptual clarity. Aspirants must meticulously note down:

1
Constitutional Articles: — Article 21, 48A, 51A(g), 243G – understand their exact wording and implications for environmental rights. Remember the amendments that introduced them (e.g., 42nd for 48A, 51A(g)).
2
Key Acts and Years: — Environment (Protection) Act 1986, Forest Rights Act 2006, National Green Tribunal Act 2010, Air Act 1981, Water Act 1974. Know their primary objectives.
3
Landmark Judgments: — M.C. Mehta (various cases), Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum, T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad. Remember the year and the core principle/doctrine established (e.g., Absolute Liability, Polluter Pays, Precautionary Principle, Public Trust Doctrine).
4
International Conventions/Principles: — UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, CBDR-RC, Loss & Damage, Climate Finance. Understand their basic tenets and India's general stance.
5
Government Schemes/Missions: — NAPCC and its 8 missions (e.g., National Solar Mission, Green India Mission), CAMPA, NAFCC, Green Credit Programme. Know their objectives and implementing ministries.
6
Key Concepts: — Distributive, Procedural, Recognition Justice; Just Transition; Intergenerational/Intra-generational Equity; Climate Migrants. Be able to differentiate between them.

Vyyuha's Quick Recall mnemonic 'CLIMATE EQUITY' will be invaluable here. Focus on identifying 'trap' options in MCQs that mix up years, acts, or principles. Practice questions that test your understanding of the interconnections between these facts. For example, a question might ask which constitutional article is the basis for the NGT's power to grant compensation (indirectly Article 21, though NGT Act directly provides it). Regular revision of these facts is paramount.