Global climate discussions aim to cap the temperature increase at 1.5°C since pre-industrial times. However, the current global pledges to cut emissions are insufficient to achieve this.
To limit warming to 1.5°C, the world needs at least 11,000 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, which is three times the current capacity. The need for this tripling was first formally articulated in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration at the G-20 summit in September.
118 countries have endorsed the pledge and two major countries, i.e., India and China, have so far abstained from signing.
India aims to triple its renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 but has stated it cannot be forced to abandon certain fuels. Coal-fired plants contribute to about 70% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.
The US has committed to eliminating coal for energy use by 2035, along with 56 other countries. However, the US currently only uses 20% of its energy from coal, with plans to produce more oil and gas in 2030 than at present.
Babasaheb Ambedkar advocated for a post-colonial India that included marginalized communities in economic and political development. However, with the rise of neo-liberal economic development, traditional state support for Dalits and Adivasis has faltered.
NOTE: Current world economic order can be termed as neo-capitalism or neo-liberalism order which focuses on Laissez-faire (market freedom), globalization, intellectual property rights, free movement of goods, services, investment and ideas i.e. “LESS GOVT MORE PRIVATE”
In today's society, social elites hold power, while marginalized groups have a tokenistic (only in words) presence in the domain of power and privileges.
The neo-liberal market is not aligned with ethical values and prioritizes the control of corporate bodies and businessmen over social responsibilities, neglecting the needs of marginalized groups. This approach leads to exploitation and a crony capitalist mode, making reforms necessary.
NOTE:Crony capitalism is a term used to describe a capitalist economic system in which individuals or businesses with close ties to political leaders and government officials use their political connections to gain an unfair advantage in the marketplace.
Re-imagine the new order - The new framework of social justice needs to address the concerns of Adivasis and democratize the working classes to reduce poverty and protect their habitats, ecological order, and cultural autonomy. It should ensure the emergence of Dalits and Adivasis as leaders, business entrepreneurs, and influencers in the economic sphere while acknowledging the inevitability of the market economy.
The state deviates from its responsibilities -Ambedkar considered the state as a transformative force for the emancipation of Dalits and Adivasis. However, in the current neo-liberal realm, the state has become a passive associate of big business, neglecting its social responsibilities and welfarist values. The new agenda of social justice should focus on educating market leaders to adopt welfarist measures for the worst-off social groups and integrating them into economic development.
