Opinion
Saving Planet Earth
02 Jun 2008 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Times of India, Education Times
Climate change and the threat that it poses to human existence is a major concern today. Even the youth have an important role to play to save planet earth
There are many lessons in human history which provide adequate warning about the chaos and destruction that could take place if we remain guilty of myopic indifference to the progressive erosion and decline of nature's resources. Much has been written, for instance, about the Maya civilization, which flourished during 250-950 AD, but collapsed largely as a result of serious and prolonged drought. Even earlier, some 4,000 years ago a number of well-known Bronze Age cultures also crumbled extending from the Mediterranean to the Indus Valley, including the civilizations, which had blossomed in Mesopotamia. More recent examples of societies that collapsed or faced chaos on account of depletion or degradation of natural resources include the Khmer Empire in South East Asia, Eastern Island, and several others. Changes in climate have historically determined periods of peace as well as conflict.
UMPPs need some Oomph
22 Mar 2008 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| OutlookBusiness
In recent years, the government has aimed to promote ultra mega power projects (UMPPs) across the country. Each of these large-sized projects has a capacity of 4,000 MW and requires an investment of Rs 16,000 crore. Upon completion, the UMPPs will meet the needs of a number of states or state distribution companies on a build-own-operate (BOT) basis. The projects would use supercritical technologies focused on higher fuel efficiency and lower emission of various pollutants, including greenhouse gases.
Perils and progress: Redefining our roles
17 Mar 2008 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Economic Times
The human society today faces unprecedented challenges, because while overall economic output in the world as a whole has gone up to levels that, perhaps, a 100 years ago no one would have dreamt of, so also have disparities in income and wealth between and across different societies. Simultaneously, major damage has occurred to the earth's ecosystems and natural resources.
Greenhouse gases: the developed world
14 Mar 2008 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| Time
Most references to the role of China and India in global mitigation of emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are generally simplistic. The typical argument put forward highlights the fact that these countries would continue increasing their emissions substantially, and, therefore, any efforts at reduction in the developed world would be more than neutralized by increases in the former. The reality is in fact much more complex. It is important to remember that the problem of human induced climate change has been caused by the cumulative emissions of GHGs with concentration levels at 280 parts per million of CO2 in pre-industrial times growing to around 380 parts per million currently. This increase is largely the result of substantial increase in use of fossil fuels in the industrialized world. For this reason, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) included the principle of "common but differentiated responsibility", requiring the developed countries to take the first steps in mitigating emissions of GHGs. However, the record of the developed world has been less than satisfactory in this regard.
Falling short of the right measures
02 Mar 2008 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| The Financial Express
It is indeed heartening to see a substantial reflection of the concern around climate change both in the Economic Survey as well as the current Budget. As per the Economic Survey, 309 out of a total of 918 projects registered at a global level are from India and the National CDM Authority has accorded approval to 858 projects facilitating an investment of over Rs 70,000 crore. The finance minister goes a step further to delineate some of the policies and measures that can be put in place to facilitate win-win solutions both for climate change and for India's sustainable development. Among these are promotion of clean technology products, review of fuel emissions and regulations, greater use of solar energy and so on.
The smart-card dichotomy
01 Mar 2008 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| DNA
As has been largely expected, the Budget is more populist. The key challenges facing the energy sector in the short term centre around rising international crude oil prices, heavy subsidies on LPG/kerosene, under-pricing of transport fuels, huge electricity shortages (peak deficit of 14.8% and energy deficit of 8.4%) and stagnating coal production.
National debt vs natural debt
24 Feb 2008 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Times of India
The Annual Budget is, undoubtedly, an important exercise in charting out the direction of government revenues and expenditures, but it also meets a much larger objective in signalling priorities for growth and development. Based on an assessment of long term trends the Budget must clearly indicate structural changes that could be brought about through a mix of fiscal measures.
Every drop counts: Plan a rainwater harvesting system based on the rainfall and water usage pattern
12 Jan 2008 |
Ms K V Rajeshwari
| Hindustan Times
Rain water harvesting is collection of rainwater falling onto catchment areas such as roofs, terraces, lawns, pavements etc, into storage tanks, ponds or aquifers. Rainwater harvesting is an age-old concept, which provides a solution to the problem of increasing water demand by increasing ground water levels. It also helps in controlling the water run off into drains and mitigates resulting water logging problems.
When alternatives can be the solution
07 Jan 2008 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| The Financial Express
India returned from Bali having successfully fended off pressure from developed countries to take on targets relating to emissions of greenhouse gases. Undoubtedly, India's per capita energy consumption is extremely low and we do have to provide good quality reliable energy to our people to sustain economic growth, promote a reasonable lifestyle and pull people out of poverty. However, this is easier said than done!
Visualising future in pace with developed countries
31 Dec 2007 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Economic Times
There is growing concern on the future of energy to fuel the global economy, with a growing population and higher incomes, not only in the developed countries but also in the emerging markets like China and India. These concerns stem from the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, higher levels of air pollution and increased awareness on the global threat of climate change.