An analysis of the National Green Tribunal's conference on climate justice highlights the gap between broad policy principles and the actual delivery of climate benefits in Indian cities. Prime Minister Modi's remarks on per-capita emissions and the country's infrastructure programs are discussed, but the article emphasizes that listing projects like solar power and metro systems does not prove equitable access or measurable emissions reduction. The piece argues that climate justice requires examining who bears the costs of growth and who receives the benefits, especially for vulnerable urban communities. Legal principles such as the precautionary principle and polluter pays are cited, but the real challenge is translating them into routine city decisions. Without specific performance data on projects, asset counts, and distribution metrics, the conference remains a statement of intent rather than a concrete plan.
