The article is going to examine the significance of fairness for posterity in the context of climate change choices, particularly in India. Consider it as though you were making a pie that everyone will get a share from not only those present at the table today. We try to find out how laws have developed with this fairness and how they have an impact on our capacity to address climate challenges. By considering examples from real life and international agreements, we can evaluate their efficiency.

On the other hand, things are not just easy - we also reveal some barriers and propose ways how to overcome them. Additionally, the paper identifies major obstacles towards implementation and suggests strategies for enhancing intergenerational equity in climate governance; hence, emphasizing need for stakeholders' collective action. Finally, all of us should work together so that we could safeguard legacy of forthcoming generations.

Introduction
The concept of intergenerational justice, intrinsic to the ethos of fairness across generations, resonates profoundly within the realm of climate change discourse. It is a testament to our obligation to shield the inheritors of tomorrow from the ramifications of decisions made today. Within the legal domain, intergenerational equity emerges as a cornerstone principle guiding climate change policy formulation and decision-making processes.

With respect to India the impact of climate change is felt every now and then, the continuous changes in the legal frameworks concerning the same are noticeable. Constitutional provisions and environmental jurisprudence are central to efforts dealing with intergenerational equity concerns. At the same time, many global agreements and treaties offer a framework for broader cooperation and action against climate change. In conclusion, this article is an attempt to sum up the complex tie between climate change policies and the concepts of intergenerational equity. By providing a myriad of laws, case law, and steps taken at global level, the article also sheds light upon the promotion of intergenerational equity into the system as an approach to cater our collective response towards climate change.

Historical context and progression of intergenerational equity in environmental law:

When we trace the history of intergenerational equity, we travel all the way back to the early days of environmental law, when it first appeared that actions taken today might have far-reaching and long-lasting effects on future generations.

The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm in 1972, is a landmark event that highlighted the importance of taking future generation's needs into consideration while making environmental decisions today [1]. Over time, the notion of intergenerational equality gained prominence in the history of environmental law, developing to encompass a broader interpretation of justice and fairness in all historical periods.

The need for addressing the intergenerational equity has been realized because of the growing consequences of the green house gas emission and increasing global warming.

Principles of intergenerational equity and their relevance in tackling climate change:

The basic principle behind intergenerational equity is that of safeguarding the interests and rights of the generations to come and protecting them from the consequences of the actions of present generations. When it comes to climate change, this idea takes on even more importance because the choices we make now have long-term effects that determine the fate of future generations.

There Are Several Principles Within The Climate Change Policies Which Are Inspired From The Norms Of Intergenerational Equity:

• The Precautionary Principle: it underscores the need for precaution and taking preemptive measures to prevent any potential mishap to the future generations.
• Sustainable Development: an approach that advocates meeting the need of the present generations without compromising with the rights and needs of the generations to come [3].
• The Polluter Pays Principle: The polluter pays principle is a provision of environmental law that holds those who cause pollution liable for the costs associated with the harm they do to the environment. This principle not only makes the polluter pay compensation to the victim but also pay for the restoration of the environmental degradation caused by the polluter. The 'polluter pay' principle was first introduced by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 1972, later the World Commission for Environment and Development recognized pollutants and dissemination of these pollutants into nature as an insufficiency of the industrial production. [4].

Legal Framework And International Agreements Addressing Intergenerational Equity In Climate Change Policy:

In the vast arena of legislations and international treaties a complicated network of tools emerges that attempts to address the difficult problem of achieving intergenerational equity in the face of the chaos caused by climate change. One such tool is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992. It is aimed at safeguarding of the climate system for both current and future generations [5].

The 2015 Paris Agreement, which mandated commitment to ensure the planet a better future, is a tribute to global solidarity against climate change under the umbrella of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is another such instrument [6]. These legal instruments provide for international collaborations in dealing with the evil consequences of climate change, doing so while upholding the ethos of intergenerational equity.

Legal Implications Of Intergenerational Equity In Climate Change Policy

The Indian constitution addresses the concerns regarding intergenerational equity, with respect to climate change quite well. Article 48A of the Indian Constitution directs the protection and improvement of the environment and wildlife in India for benefitting both the present and future generations. Similarly Article 51A (g) imposes a duty on every citizen of the country to protect and conserve the forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion with all the living creature. [8]

Land Mark Cases Highlighting The Role Of Intergenerational Equity In Climate Change:
The Hon'ble Apex Court, in several landmark judgments, has upheld the importance of protecting the natural resources for future generations. While delivering the judgement of M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, the Supreme Court laid emphasis on the need for sustainable development and intergenerational equity while addressing environmental issues [9]. Also, in the judgement of Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India, the Hon'ble Supreme Court declared the right to a clean environment a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution and directed its protection for the welfare of present and future generations [10].

Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar is also one of the landmark judgments of the Hon'ble Supreme Court where the Court held that the right to a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and demarcated the need for protection of the environment for generations to come [11]. Similarly, in the case of Alembic Chemical Works Co. Ltd. v. Union of India, the Hon'ble Court recognized the principle of intergenerational equity while holding the view that industries have a duty to ensure that their actions don't harm the environment or hamper the interests of future generations [12].

Recommendations For Policy And Practice:

• Incorporation of intergenerational equity principles into legislative frameworks: Governments should make the necessary amendments in the existing laws and enact new laws if required, to integrate intergenerational equity principles into strategies developed for fighting climate change. This can be accomplished by setting up achievable targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate change and its impacts, with a focus on safeguarding the interests and rights of generations to come.
   
• Long-term planning and decision-making: Policymakers should incorporate a long-term approach when articulating policies to withstand climate change, considering the overall impacts of current actions on future generations. This can include implementation of policies setting long-term targets to reduce emissions, long-term budgeting for climate-related projects, and scenario planning to anticipate future challenges as well as opportunities.
   
• Interdisciplinary approaches: As climate change is a complex and interconnected issue, it requires multifaceted and interdisciplinary solutions. Legislature and policymakers should ensure collaborations between different sectors like science, technology, economics, and social sciences, to develop holistic, multifaceted and integrated approaches to unwanted and dangerous consequences of climate change.
   
• Education and outreach initiatives: Governments, civil society organizations, and educational institutions should promote and propagate climate change education along with awareness-raising initiatives aimed at communicating a deeper understanding of intergenerational equity principles within the public at large. This should start with inclusion of climate change topics into school curriculums, organizing public lectures and workshops, and leveraging digital/social media platforms for outreach.
   
• Public engagement and consultation: Policymakers should ensure active engagement with diverse groups of people, including youth groups, indigenous communities, as well as marginalized populations, to ensure that their voices are heard during the decision-making process. This can be achieved by conducting public meetings, establishing several advisory panels, and creating opportunities for meaningful participation of the general public in policy making.
   
• Communication and advocacy campaigns: Governments and civil societies should launch targeted campaigns aiming to raise awareness about the importance of intergenerational equity in climate action to gain public support in policy making. This can be done by using traditional media, social media platforms, and community-based outreach initiatives to cater the messages to a vast audience.
   
• Partnerships between civil societies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Governments should utilize the expertise and resources of civil society organizations and NGOs to support policy making and fight against climate change. This can include collaboration on various research projects, implementing community-based initiatives, and allocation of funds to these groups for supporting grassroots organizations and promoting work on intergenerational equity issues.
   
• Capacity building and knowledge sharing: Governments, civil society organizations, and international organizations should work on capacity building and knowledge sharing initiatives to enhance the capacity of developing countries to address the consequences of climate change and incorporate intergenerational equity principles for the betterment of society at large. This can be achieved by providing technical assistance, training programs, and access to financial resources to support local efforts.

In conclusion, promoting intergenerational equity in climate change policy requires a multi-dimensional approach which is a combination of policy making, public awareness initiatives, and collaborative efforts among governments, civil society, and international organizations. By incorporating intergenerational equity principles into policies and legislations, engaging the public at large in action against climate change, and establishing international cooperation, more sustainable and equitable future can be established for generations to come.

Conclusion
In conclusion the very fact that intergenerational equity is important in climate change policy mandates us a moral duty to ensure the welfare of generations yet to come. Since climate change involves many complex issues and challenges, it should incorporate various principles of equity and justice into its framework for policy making. As we dive in the complications brought about by global warming, we cannot avoid noting that our actions will have far-reaching consequences for coming generations. Therefore, there is a need for present generation to emphasize on this in our decision-making processes so that future generation's interests and rights are taken care of well.

While moving forward poses significant hardships, there also exists opportunities for change with meaning. Thus if we want to achieve sustainable and fair future; our voices should be heard through having policies which are based on intergenerational equity; increasing awareness among publics; and ensuring collaboration between different stakeholders. In short, striving for intergenerational equity in climate change policy amounts to a joint effort towards fulfilling an ethical obligation towards succeeding generations.

It goes beyond borders as well as transcends boundaries requiring us to stand firm in terms of stewardship as well as responsibility. As we strive to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change, let us remain steadfast in our resolve to leave behind a world that is resilient, prosperous, and just for generations to come.

Foot-Notes:

• United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm Declaration, 1972.
• Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, Principle 15, 1992.
• Brundtland Commission, Our Common Future, 1987.
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Environmental Policies and Intergenerational Equity, 1972.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992.
• Paris Agreement, 2015.
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, National Action Plan on Climate Change, 2008.
• Indian Constitution, Article 51A (g).
• M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, AIR 1987 SC 1086.
• Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India, AIR 1996 SC 2715.
• Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar, AIR 1991 SC 420.
• Alembic Chemical Works Co. Ltd. v. Union of India, (1981) 1 SCC 321.