New Delhi: Attorney General R Venkataramani emphasized the need for climate governance to be integrated into daily discourse, stating, “Climate change is not merely an elite discussion; it must become part of everyday conversations—within families, institutions, and governance.” He was speaking at the SILF-CII ESG & Climate Law Day, organized by the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) National Committee on Legal Services on February 18, 2025.
The event marked the beginning of an annual initiative aimed at fostering a legal and policy-driven approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. The virtual conference, themed “Climate Change: A Global Push is the Need of the Hour,” brought together global legal experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the role of law in addressing climate challenges.
Call for a collective approach to climate governance
Delivering the keynote address, Attorney General Venkataramani said, “Today, we stand at a civilizational crossroads—a challenge that compels us to rethink our principles, policies, and institutions. The question is not just about economic equality but about achieving equilibrium between development and environmental sustainability.”
He further added, “For decades, we have spoken of green economics, yet we remain at an impasse. Meaningful change cannot come solely from governments—it requires a collective resolve, a shared responsibility where every nation, every individual commits to a new charter of development and equality. No single country holds the authority to dictate climate solutions; we need a common curriculum of responsibility, a universal framework where all nations contribute to a just and sustainable future.”
Addressing the gap between climate pledges and real action, Venkataramani said, “We hear about limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius or capping it at 3.5 degrees. Heads of state meet, sign declarations, and pledge reforms. But where do these commitments truly lead? Beyond political summits, we need grassroots movements, individual action, and everyday conversations that make sustainability a lived reality rather than an abstract goal.”
Highlighting the ethical dimensions of climate change, he stated, “We cannot afford to see climate action as a matter of convenience. It is a moral imperative. Equal regard, equal participation, and equal responsibility—this is what true climate justice demands. Imagine a day when we move beyond national self-interest to a genuine partnership for sustainability. That would be a day worth celebrating.”
SILF and CII urge stronger legal frameworks for ESG compliance
The conference was chaired by Dr. Lalit Bhasin, President, SILF, and Chairman, CII National Committee on Legal Services, and vice-chaired by Sudhir Mishra, Vice-Chairman, SILF and Chairman, CII Sub-Committee on ESG & Climate Change, who also moderated the discussions.
Dr. Bhasin stressed the urgency of climate action, citing data from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report. He stated, “Between 1993 and 2022, more than 9,400 extreme weather events were recorded, leading to over 7,65,000 fatalities and causing economic losses exceeding $4 trillion. There is an urgent need for global efforts in building climate resilience. To highlight the perils of climate change, SILF and CII National Committee on Legal Services have decided to declare February 18 as ESG Climate Law Day.”
Global experts discuss climate law and policy initiatives
The conference featured legal and climate policy experts from across the world, including Dr. Tiina Paloniitty (Chair, IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, Finland), Rashmi Dube (Litigation & ESG Partner, Gunnercooke LLP, London), Komal Raina (Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, London), Dr. Fatima Balfaqeeh (Managing Partner, Balfaqeeh Advocates & Legal Consultants, UAE), Dr. Dindo Campilan (Regional Director for Asia & Hub Director for Oceania, IUCN), and Pedro Solano (President, Association of Private Protected Areas of Peru and Board Member of the Peruvian National Parks).
Indian legal professionals Sanjit Kaur Batra (Group Vice-President & Legal Head, Cummins India) and Sridhar Potaraju (Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India) addressed ESG compliance and corporate sustainability, emphasizing the role of the legal community in shaping corporate responsibility frameworks.
SILF and CII announce knowledge paper on ESG & Climate Law
As a key outcome of the conference, SILF and CII announced a knowledge paper on ESG & Climate Law, compiling insights from the discussions and proposing strategic legal interventions to address climate challenges effectively.
The event concluded with a strong call for greater legal accountability, international cooperation, and corporate responsibility in combating climate change. SILF and CII reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating cross-border legal collaboration to tackle climate challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the coming generations.
