Opinion
Growth for all
05 Jun 2009 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Times of India
The first and most important change that the new government at the Centre ought to address is shifting the pattern of development itself. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is aware of recent trends that distort the very concept of sustainable development, essentially through blind aping of everything that defines lifestyles in the developed countries. The unregulated growth of shopping malls, each guzzling several megawatts of electricity; the unsustainable exploitation of our groundwater resources, driven essentially by heavy subsidies on the price of electricity for farmers; and incursions into tribal areas and agricultural or forest lands for setting up industrial projects all of these violate the very fundamentals of sustainable development.
New approach to infrastructure
02 Jun 2009 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| Financial Chronicle
Sure, it was a long process, but the cabinet that finally emerged and the ministers occupying the key posts, which could have a significant impact on development, give us a reason to cheer. They make us believe that when the government says that the focus in their second term will be on inclusive growth, strengthening the infrastructure sector and boosting livelihood opportunities for the poor, it will happen. For the sake of the future of India’s millions, it must happen.
This silent suffering
29 May 2009 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Guardian
Science is now unequivocal as to the reality of climate change. However, one facet - its human face - has been dangerously neglected. Until now. Given what the science tells us about global warming, how many people around the world will be affected, in what way, and at what cost?
These are the questions that a major new report attempts to answer for the first time. Its findings indicate that hundreds of millions of people are already permanently or temporarily affected, and half a billion are at extreme risk now. Because of climate change, each year hundreds of thousands lose their lives. All these figures are set to increase rapidly in as little as 10-20 years.
Key challenges for new govt
19 May 2009 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| Financial Chronicle
The Congress-led UPA government has come back, to its own surprise, with stronger numbers and a less unwieldy coalition than in its earlier term. Clearly its focus - real and apparent - on the poor and their development challenges has yielded rich dividends to the party. However, and in all honesty, the new UPA government must face up to the delays and shortcomings in delivering on some of their most touted development programmes. Some such programmes that must get priority attention are those that have the most obvious linkages across the living environment of the poor and their health. Nearly 24% of the health impacts in India are caused due to pitiable living conditions and the vulnerability of the poor and women and children to environmental stresses must be recognized and addressed.
Who cares for power shortage?
05 May 2009 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| Financial Chronicle
Just a few months ago, when oil prices started their seemingly unrelenting climb, media interest in the subject was also peaking. However, over a period of time the variations in oil prices have become routine with just the standard line item stating the day’s oil price. Electricity shortages have been with us for so long that we seem to have become immune to the consequences.
We are building energy guzzlers
02 May 2009 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Urban Vision
The way we design and construct buildings is critical to addressing the climate change challenge given that the building sector currently contributes around 40 per cent of global carbon emissions. Commercial and residential buildings in India account for more than 30% of the country’s total electricity consumption. In view of the growth of the economy and the Indian population, building activities are expected to continue at a high level. This could lock us into large consumption of energy unless we design and construct buildings that are energy efficient and conserve natural resources.
India Inc. initiates
22 Apr 2009 |
Mr Nitin Desai
| The Economic Times
Climate change in the form of global warming induced by the accumulation of green-house gases in the atmosphere is already underway. For strategic purposes, one can distinguish between the implications of a moderate increase (2° C) and a catastrophic increase (5° C+). The moderate increases will affect hydrology, coastal zones, mountain ecosystems and biodiversity with significant impacts on agriculture, health, settlements. It is probably unavoidable because of the accumulation of greenhouse gases that are already there; but we can cope with the consequences if we put our mind and money on the job. On the other hand, a temperature increase that approaches 5°C threatens a catastrophic scale of disruption; but it may not happen for decades. So, we still have time to prevent the worst if we start acting now.
How fresh is the air we breathe?
22 Apr 2009 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
,Dr T S Panwar
| The Economic Times
Several new media have happily started reporting the air quality situation in different cities of the country. Several times the concentration of pollutants exceed the standards specified at an alarming level. Unfortunately, these have become mere statistics that neither the governments seem to be responding to nor the society at large. Delhi is one city that has seen maximum pollution related interventions in the country - phasing out of old vehicles, introduction of CNG, BRT system, huge investments in road infrastructure to ease congestion, etc. However, as reported recently, New Delhi has the world\'s worst air pollution.
Oil price on slippery ground
21 Apr 2009 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| Financial Chronicle
When oil prices were reigning above $100 per barrel last year, the world, including India, was anticipating oil prices going up to nearly $200 in just a few months and as such had started preparing itself for oil “independenceâ€. Today, when prices have been in the less than $50 range for some time, the fear of just a few months ago seems unreal.
Climate issue on poll agenda
07 Apr 2009 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| Financial Chronicle
The manifestoes of both major parties in the country have devoted some space to green issues - possibly so explicitly for the first time in India\'s election history - and this should be viewed as an extremely positive development. Having said that, these statements would probably remain mere platitudes given the language in which they are couched. When US President Barack Obama made a similar commitment during his election campaign, he committed a significant amount ($150 billion) of resources to the development of green jobs based on alternative energy forms. \"We\'ll invest $15 billion a year over the next decade in renewable energy, creating five million new green jobs that pay well, can’t be outsourced and help end our dependence on foreign oil.\" A clear and contestable statement of intent. By saying so, Obama made himself accountable to the American public and to the world at large. India\'s political parties must be willing to stand up and make themselves accountable on such issues as well.