There has never been a greater urgent need to move towards sustainable energy solutions as the globe struggles with the effects of climate change. It is now primarily a human rights concern rather than only an environmental one. The rights to life, health, and well-being are complemented by the right to a healthy environment. People and communities therefore have a right to be free from the terrible effects of climate change. Making the switch to rooftop solar energy is one practical approach to exercise this privilege. This blog explores the ways that rooftop solar adoption might enable individuals to protect their fundamental rights, provide energy independence, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India is a major step towards making governments accountable for combating the climate crisis. It recognises freedom from climate change as a fundamental human right, marking a pivotal moment in the global fight against this phenomenon.
According to the verdict on April 6, this right is confirmed by the provisions outlined in Article 14, which pertains to the right to equality, and Article 21, which relates to the right to life.
This landmark decision is a significant step forward in environmental law and underscores the urgent need for collective action to address the impacts of climate change on human life.
Understanding the Right to a Healthy Environment
The idea that everyone has a right to a healthy environment is becoming more and more popular. Both international organisations and national governments are beginning to acknowledge it as a fundamental human right. The complete enjoyment of a wide variety of human rights, such as the rights to life, health, food, water, and development, is contingent upon the existence of a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, as recognised by the UN. On the other hand, these rights are seriously threatened by climate change. Global health problems, food hunger, water scarcity, and economic instability are becoming worse due to rising temperatures, harsh weather, and the loss of natural resources.
Understanding the Supreme Court Ruling
Around 80% of the global population, or 6 billion people, rely on imported fossil fuels, making them vulnerable to geopolitical issues. However, to contribute to a shift away from fossil fuels, IRENA estimates that 90% of global electricity must come from renewables by 2050.
Furthermore, in 2022, $7 trillion was spent on fossil fuel subsidies, including tax breaks and unpriced environmental costs. To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, $4.5 trillion annually needs to be invested in renewable energy until 2030.
By 2030, renewables could supply 65% of global electricity and decarbonize 90% of the power sector by 2050, greatly cutting carbon emissions.
How Rooftop Solar Empowers People to Combat Climate Change
Businesses and individuals can take the initiative in the fight against climate change by installing rooftop solar panels. First of all, the production of power from solar energy is a renewable resource that produces no greenhouse gas emissions. Making the transition to rooftop solar helps people drastically lower their carbon impact.
An average domestic solar panel system is thought to be able to offset three to four tonnes of carbon emissions per year, or more than one hundred trees planted annually. Furthermore, as rooftop solar lessens reliance on fossil fuel-based grid electricity, the overall demand for fossil fuel-based power declines, which has the cascading effect of reducing carbon emissions on a bigger scale.
Moreover, rooftop solar power systems support the decentralisation of electricity production. Decentralised energy systems improve grid stability, guarantee energy reliability, and minimise transmission losses. Installing solar panels on roofs minimizes the loss of electricity that usually happens when energy is carried over long distances because energy is produced and consumed locally.
Energy Independence and Security: A Fundamental Right
Another important consideration when talking about the fundamental right to be free from climate change is energy independence. In addition to causing environmental deterioration, reliance on fossil fuels has also raised geopolitical tensions and economic instability. Nations that depend significantly on imported fossil fuels are susceptible to changes in the world market, price increases, and supply interruptions.
Energy independence can be significantly increased for both people and communities by transitioning to rooftop solar energy. Solar energy is readily available locally, abundant, and renewable. As a result, it enables businesses and households to produce their own electricity and lessen their dependency on outside energy sources. As a result, this independence improves energy security, lessens exposure to erratic energy markets, and aids in protecting economies from the shocks brought on by reliance on fossil fuels.
Role and Adoption of Solar Panel Systems
Transitioning to solar energy is a proactive step forward in combating the effects of climate change. The Indian government has augmented this transition through subsidies, making solar power more accessible and affordable for households nationwide.
Harnessing the abundant energy from the sun reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Additionally, the cost of solar power dropped by 85% between 2010 and 2020.
Embracing solar power at the individual level provides control of one’s electricity consumption and contributes towards collective efforts to address climate change.
Through widespread adoption of solar panel systems, communities can significantly reduce their environmental footprint and pave the way for a greener and cleaner planet. There are certain challenges albeit they allow for newer opportunities to flourish.
A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future
Making the move to rooftop solar is a bold declaration of commitment to safeguarding fundamental human rights and preserving our planet, going beyond simple energy consumption. By switching, people and communities can take proactive measures to protect the right to a healthy environment, achieve energy independence, and lessen their carbon footprint. Even while problems still exist, they can be solved with teamwork, creative thinking, and supportive legislation.
Everyone must take significant action as the effects of climate change continue to jeopardise our fundamental rights, including individuals, corporations, and governments. A crucial step in this direction is making the switch to rooftop solar power. Adopting solar energy ensures a more just and equitable future for everyone while also making the world greener and healthier. Thus, let’s do something now to protect the environment and the next generation.
Contact us today to learn more about PV Solarize Energy System Pvt ltd solar installations and how you can contribute towards combating climate change.
Fundamental right to a healthy environment
Solar power benefits
Supreme court ruling