President Murmu calls for community-led climate action with traditional knowledge

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday called for a well-structured policy framework to tackle climate change, stressing the active role of governments, legal experts and affected communities. Speaking at the National Green Tribunal's two-day international conference in New Delhi, she said climate change is causing biodiversity loss, water stress and land degradation, and has serious repercussions on food security, health and livelihoods. She urged special sensitivity for rural and forest-dwelling communities, small farmers, women and other vulnerable groups.

Murmu highlighted the need for people-centred adaptation approaches rooted in traditional knowledge, describing sustainable afforestation as restoring self-sustaining ecosystems. She said developing countries must pursue climate action consistent with their development needs and economic aspirations. Union minister Manohar Lal noted India achieved its 50% non-fossil capacity target five years early. NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said climate action must be inclusive, equitable and attentive to future generations.