Name : Naziya salim khan

E-mail address: [email protected]

Address of the institution: Shree L.R Educational Campus, Mira Road East,
Thane 401107
Course: BLS LLB

Academic year: TY BLS

Contact no. : 9372023758

EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ENVIRONMENT POLICIES IN
ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE GOALS

NAZIYA SALIM KHAN1

ABSTRACT

Within the global framework of sustainable development, India’s environmental policies hold
significance not only for the nation itself but also within the broader international context. This
paper presents a comparative analysis of India’s environmental policies alongside international
initiatives such as the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol, and the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Through a thorough review of literature and methodologies, it
assesses the effectiveness of these policies in advancing sustainable development objectives both
domestically and globally. The paper underscores the Importance of employing robust evaluation

1 LAW STUDENT AT SHREE LR EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS

methods to gauge the efficacy of environmental policies in India within an international
framework. Approaches such as comparative cost-benefit analysis, environmental performance
assessments, and stakeholder engagement are essential for understanding the economic, social,
and environmental impacts of policies across borders. By integrating these methodologies,
policymakers and researchers can identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing
to more effective and coordinated global environmental governance. Furthermore, the paper
highlights the challenges associated with evaluating the long-term impacts of environmental
policies in both India and the international context. Given the interconnectedness of
environmental issues and global socio-economic dynamics, assessing the enduring effects of
policies requires collaborative efforts and innovative methodologies. Additionally, the paper
emphasizes the importance of addressing equity and distributional impacts on a global scale to
ensure that environmental policies contribute to inclusive and equitable sustainable development
worldwide. Through critical analysis, the paper identifies gaps in current evaluation practices and
proposes avenues for future research and collaboration. These include enhancing data sharing and
transparency, fostering international partnerships for capacity building, and leveraging emerging
technologies for more comprehensive assessments. Moreover, this research suggests that
countries need to work together better to deal with environmental problems that cross borders
KEYWORDS: SDGs , Environmental policies, Equitable development, Socio-economic dynamics,
International initiatives.

INTRODUCTION:

Sustainable development means making progress in a way that meets our needs now and doesn’t
harm the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It’s a goal that many people want
to achieve. However, while it’s a good idea, it doesn’t give us clear guidance on how to know if
we’re making progress toward it. When we talk about sustainability, we often mean sustainable
development. Development is basically growth, so sustainable development is about finding
ways to grow without causing too many problems, especially environmental ones. The term
“sustainable development” became popular worldwide after a famous report called “Our
Common Future” was published by the World Commission on Environment and Development in
1987.1 Sustainable development means that we should live in a way that meets our needs now,
without harming the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It’s about organizing our
society in a way that can keep going for a long time without running out of important resources.
 This involves taking care of the environment, making sure everyone has what they need to live
well, and making sure everyone has a fair chance in society. Lots of different cultures have
followed this idea throughout history to keep a good balance between people and nature, as well
as the economy. You can think of sustainable development as finding ways to grow our economy
without hurting the environment or leaving anyone behind. It’s all about finding a good balance
between what we need economically, what the environment needs, and what people need to live
happy and healthy lives.2 Sustainable development is the idea that we should develop in a way
that fulfills current needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs. While this idea mainly comes from the 1987 Brundtland Report, it's also influenced by
earlier thoughts on managing resources like forests sustainably and concerns about the
environment in the 20th century. Over time, the focus of sustainable development has expanded
to include economic, social, and environmental aspects for the benefit of future generations.
Some argue that sustainability means achieving a balance between human activities and the
environment, while sustainable development involves the ongoing process of achieving this
balance. However, there's criticism surrounding

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what exactly needs to be sustained in sustainable development. Critics question whether it's
possible to sustainably use non-renewable resources, as continued exploitation will eventually
deplete them. Some argue that the concept of sustainable development has been stretched too far,
moving from simply managing resources to promoting economic growth without substantial
change.3

Three pillars of sustainability :-

The concept of sustainability relies on three key aspects: the economic, social, and
environmental pillars. These pillars serve as essential measures for addressing sustainable
development challenges. If any of these pillars are compromised, the entire system becomes
unsustainable.

1. Social sustainability :-
 Social sustainability means making sure that communities can stay happy and work well
together for a long time. It’s about keeping things fair and making sure everyone gets
what they need to live a good life. When societies aren’t socially sustainable, you see
things like fights, lots of poor people, unfair treatment, and not enough schools. So, it’s
really important to make sure everyone has what they need to be happy and healthy, and
that we treat each other fairly.

2. Environmental sustainability :-

Environmental sustainability is about ensuring that our environment stays in good shape
so it can keep providing us with what we need, like clean air and water, and so it can
continue supporting life for a long, long time. It’s a massive issue facing the world today
because if we don’t start taking action to fix it now, we’ll face some really serious
problems down the line. The tricky part is that the negative effects of not addressing
environmental issues often don’t show up right away. They can take years or even
decades to become noticeable. Because of this delay in seeing the consequences, many
people and governments don’t prioritize solving these problems as urgently as they
should. But the longer we wait, the harder it will be to fix things, and the more severe the
consequences
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 will be. That’s why it’s crucial to start taking action now to protect our planet and ensure
a sustainable future for generations to come.

1. Economic sustainability :-

Economic sustainability means making sure that a country’s economy can keep
producing goods and services at a steady rate for a long time. It’s a really big problem
right now, especially since the global financial crisis in 2008. This problem seems even
bigger because it’s connected to the issue of environmental sustainability. When we don’t
take care of the environment, it can hurt our economy too. For example, if we use up all
our natural resources too quickly, it can make it harder for businesses to keep running
smoothly. So, we need to find ways to make sure our economy can keep growing without
hurting the environment in the long run. This is important for our progress and for the
well- being of everyone.4

Global initiative for sustainable goals :

1) Paris Agreement :

The Paris Agreement, a landmark international accord forged during COP 21, stands as a
pivotal moment in global efforts to combat climate change. Enacted in 2015, it signifies a
collective commitment by 197 nations, including major emitters like China, the US, and
the EU, to address the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet. At its core,
the agreement articulates three primary objectives: firstly, to curb the rise in global
temperatures to below 2 °C this century, with a preferred target of limiting it to 1.5 °C if
feasible; secondly, to periodically reassess and enhance each country’s efforts in reducing
carbon emissions, setting the stage for continuous improvement every five years; and
thirdly, to ensure adequate financial support is provided to developing nations to bolster
their resilience and adaptation measures in the face of climate change impacts. In essence,
the Paris Agreement embodies a collective pledge towards sustainable action,
underscored by a commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations.5

2) Kyoto Protocol :
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 The Kyoto Protocol operates on the fundamental principle of common but differentiated
responsibilities, where nations commit to addressing climate change while considering
their varying levels of socio-economic development. Anchored in the polluter pays
principle, this international environmental accord stands as a cornerstone in the global
effort to combat climate change. Commencing its inaugural commitment period in 2008
and concluding in 2012, the Kyoto Protocol witnessed the participation of 36 nations.
Notably, nine of these countries availed themselves of flexibility mechanisms due to
exceeding their emission targets. As a result, these nations facilitated emissions
reductions in other countries through various means. Despite the concerted efforts of the
36 developed nations to curtail their emissions during the protocol’s first phase, global
emissions experienced a staggering 32% increase between 1990 and 2010. The financial
upheaval of 2007-08 emerged as a significant contributing factor to the observed
reduction in emissions during this period, underscoring the complex interplay between
economic dynamics and environmental outcomes.6

1) Earth summit :

Around 2,400 delegates from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participated,

alongside 17,000 attendees at the parallel NGO “Global Forum” (also known as Forum
Global) with Consultative Status. A notable achievement of the summit was the
 consensus reached on the Climate Change Convention, subsequently paving the way for
the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Additionally, an accord was made to refrain
from undertaking actions on indigenous lands that could result in environmental harm or
cultural insensitivity. The Rio Summit of 1992, also known as the Earth Summit,
produced several key documents aimed at promoting sustainable development. One of
these was the Rio Declaration, which outlined 27 principles to guide nations in their
future environmental and developmental efforts. Another significant outcome was
Agenda 21, a plan of action for sustainable development, although it doesn’t have legal
obligations. Additionally, the Forest Principles, formally titled as the ‘Non-Legally
Binding Authoritative Statement of Principles for a Global Consensus on the
Management, Conservation and Sustainable

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 Development of All Types of Forests’, provided recommendations for forest conservation
and sustainable management, but it’s not legally binding.7

Policies for sustainable development in India :

The Indian government has implemented various measures to protect the environment,
such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, Green Skill Development Programme, Namami
Gange Programme, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act (CAMPA), National Mission
for Green India, National River Conservation Programme, and Conservation of Natural
Resources & Ecosystems. In June 2023, the National Statistics Office released the
Sustainable Development Goals National Indicator Framework 2023, enabling the
tracking of progress towards all 17 SDGs, except for financing. India’s efforts in climate
change have been recognized, with the Climate Change Performance Index 2023 ranking
India 8th globally, ahead of major economies like China, the US, and Iran. This progress
positions India as a significant player in global sustainability efforts, with room for
further improvement.8
a. Swachh Bharat Mission :

The Swachh Bharat Mission is a groundbreaking effort with the goal of fostering
a tidy and sanitary environment throughout India. Introduced by the Indian
government on October 2, 2014, this sweeping endeavor aims to realize the vision
of a nation free from sanitation problems by promoting cleanliness nationwide.

Impact of Swachh Bharat Mission

The Swachh Bharat Mission has achieved notable progress in revolutionizing

India’s sanitation situation. This initiative has led to favorable developments
across various regions, benefiting both urban and rural populations.
 Enhanced Sanitation Coverage

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%20of%20Natural%20Resources
Remarkable progress has been witnessed in expanding sanitation coverage
nationwide through the Swachh Bharat Mission. Official data indicates that more
than 100 million toilets have been built since the inception of the initiative. This
expanded coverage ensures that a larger portion of the population has access to
clean and secure sanitation facilities.

Behavioral Change and Awareness

The Swachh Bharat Mission underscores the importance of fostering behavioral

change and raising awareness to sustain sanitation practices. Various initiatives
and campaigns have been undertaken to educate and sensitize communities about
the significance of sanitation and hygiene. These endeavors have led to a shift in
attitudes and behaviors, fostering cleanliness and hygiene practices among people.
 Economic Implications

The Swachh Bharat Mission has also positively impacted India’s economy.
Improved sanitation facilities result in lower healthcare expenses and increased
productivity. With healthier individuals and reduced disease burden, more people
can actively engage in the workforce, thereby contributing to economic progress
and advancement. The Swachh Bharat Mission stands out as a remarkable
endeavor that has revolutionized India’s sanitation scenario. Through its emphasis
on behavior modification, waste management, and awareness campaigns, the
mission has brought about notable enhancements in sanitation coverage, public
health, and overall cleanliness. As communities and individuals increasingly
participate in the mission, India steadily progresses towards realizing its vision of
a pristine and hygienic nation.9

a. Green skill development programme :

 India, as the world’s second-most populous country, possesses an extensive
workforce. However, despite this demographic advantage, challenges such as high
dropout rates in secondary education and insufficient vocational skills pose
obstacles to fully capitalizing on the potential of this workforce. In various sectors

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 related to the environment and forestry, there exists a notable disparity between
the demand for specific skill sets and the available supply of trained individuals,
both in terms of cognitive abilities and practical expertise. Transitioning from an
economy reliant on energy-intensive and polluting practices to one characterized
by cleaner, more sustainable industrial and service activities is imperative for
India’s long-term development. This necessitates the cultivation of “green skills”
among the workforce – competencies that enable individuals to contribute
effectively to environmentally friendly practices while also promoting human
well- being and social equity. Recognizing this need, initiatives like the Green
Skill Development Program (GSDP) have been established to address the gap in
green capabilities. These programs focus on imparting process-based skills such
as waste monitoring and management, energy conservation, impact mitigation,
and evaluation, among others. By equipping individuals with these essential
skills, the GSDP aims to facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable and
environmentally conscious economy, ensuring both economic growth and
environmental stewardship for future generations.10

a. National River Conservation programme:

In 1985, the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase-I was launched, aimed at addressing
 the pollution issues plaguing the Ganges River. This initial phase concluded its
activities by March 31, 2000. Following a thorough review by the Steering
Committee of the National River Conservation Authority, lessons learned and
experiences gained from GAP Phase-I were utilized to implement necessary
corrections and improvements. These insights were then integrated into the
National River Conservation Program (NRCP), which expanded its scope to
encompass 152 towns situated along 27 interstate rivers across 16 states.

As part of this expanded initiative, pollution abatement efforts were initiated in 57

towns, with a total of 215 pollution abatement schemes sanctioned. Thus far, 69
schemes have been successfully completed. The primary objective of this action
plan is to intercept, divert, and treat one million liters of sewage, significantly

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 contributing to the improvement of water quality in these rivers and the
surrounding areas.11

a. National mission for Green India :

The Green India Mission (GIM), part of India’s comprehensive strategy to tackle
climate change, commenced in February 2014 with the aim of safeguarding,
rejuvenating, and enriching the country’s dwindling forest resources. Its objective
is to address climate change challenges through a blend of adaptive and mitigative
actions while acknowledging the vital role forests play in improving the
environment. The mission emphasizes the significance of forests in mitigating
climate change, ensuring water and food security, preserving biodiversity, and
securing the livelihoods of forest-dwelling and dependent cmitigative
The National Mission for a Green India outlines several key objectives:

1. Enhancing the quality of forest cover and ecosystem services across

various types of forest and non-forest areas, including open forests,
degraded grasslands, and wetlands, with a target area of 5 million
hectares.

2. Undertaking eco-restoration and afforestation efforts in diverse landscapes

such as scrublands, shifting cultivation areas, cold deserts, mangroves,
ravines, and abandoned mining sites, aiming to cover 1.8 million hectares.

3. Increasing forest and tree cover in urban and peri-urban regions, with a
goal of expanding by 0.20 million hectares.
 4. Expanding forest and tree cover on marginal agricultural lands, fallow
lands, and other non-forest areas through agroforestry and social forestry
practices, targeting an area of 3 million hectares.

5. Promoting community-based management of public forest and non-forest

areas included in the mission’s scope.

6. Encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient practices and alternative

energy sources, particularly in households within project areas.

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 1. Supporting the diversification of livelihoods for approximately 3 million
households residing in and around forested areas.12

Conclusion :

In conclusion, evaluating both international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, Kyoto
Protocol, and Earth Summit, as well as national initiatives like India’s Swachh Bharat Mission,
Green Skill Development Programme, National Mission for Green India, and National River
Conservation Programme, is imperative for achieving sustainable goals. These initiatives serve
as vital frameworks for addressing environmental challenges at both global and local levels,
emphasizing the need for collaborative action and individual country commitments. By
rigorously assessing the effectiveness of these initiatives, policymakers can determine whether
they are on track to meet their objectives and make necessary adjustments to enhance their
impact. Evaluation also facilitates learning and knowledge sharing, enabling countries to
replicate successful strategies and avoid repeating past mistakes. Moreover, evaluation promotes
accountability and transparency in environmental governance, ensuring that governments remain
accountable to their citizens and the international community. By measuring progress and
reporting on outcomes, policymakers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and
build trust among stakeholders. In conclusion, evaluation serves as a critical tool for guiding
decision-making, fostering cooperation, and accelerating progress towards a more sustainable
and resilient future for all.

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