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Where's Sustainability if half of the voices aren't heard: The Gender Equity Imperative

Environmental protection and sustainable development require investments as there is an inherent cost associated to compensate the damage that has been caused to the environment.

It's not just a Crisis of the Climate it's a Crisis of the Youth's Future

"Climate change is not an academic concept anymore. It is here and now, and we are living through it. Draft a new social contract to organise our society, our economies & particularly our politics to bring the people & planet together," said Dr Anurabha Ghosh, CEO, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), during the 'Youth Unite for a Safe and Secure Environment for All' thematic at the recently concluded World Sustainable Development Summit 2021.

Technology transfer, finance, demand – the pillars of low-carbon steel and cement

The thematic track on Low Carbon Industry Transition set the tone by establishing why a net-neutral emission industry sector is crucial to meeting the goals of the Paris agreement. In this endeavour, harder to abate sectors steel and cement are especially significant.

Towards an Enabling Global Environment: Accelerating women leadership and empowerment

Though gender equality between women and men is a fundamental right, women around the world still face challenges in achieving leadership positions based on discrimination, social stereotypes, and violence. Panelists at the session on ‘Towards an Enabling Global Environment: Accelerating women leadership and empowerment’ at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 discussed ways to overcome the structural barriers that hinder women’s progress. They also delved into the importance of building more inclusively in the post-pandemic world, which has severely impacted gender equality.

Effective climate financing is the prerequisite for creating a low carbon & climate resilient economy

We are moving rapidly towards a global low carbon and climate resilient economy. However, there are multiple barriers to this transition. Perhaps the steepest challenge is the mobilization of ample funds, to facilitate this transition.

Time for India Inc to commit to net-zero

No more is India's climate action limited to government, said Ms. Rhiannon Harries, Deputy Trade Commissioner, South Asia, British High Commission, addressing the WSDS 2021 plenary session, Collaborative Platforms to Fast-track India Inc.'s 'Race to Zero' Emissions.

Scientific data and collective effort make air pollution a solvable problem

Air pollution is a key concern in a developing economy like India. Speakers at the thematic event on ‘Cleaning air in Indian cities’ held at the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2021 deliberated upon the various challenges faced in combating air pollution. They also discussed steps needed for improving air quality management and what Indian cities can learn from other countries in tackling air pollution.

India's transition away from coal has to be sustainable, equitable and 'just'

India has pledged to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35% of 2005 levels by 2030 and was declared the only major economy to be '2 degrees compatible' at the COP 25.

Circular Economy, a smart economic decision to fighting three planetary crises

The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed how vulnerable economies are to unsustainable growth processes and the consequent catastrophe it can bring to modern societies. It has underlined the intricate linkages of human beings and their development with the natural world.

Decarbonisation can help South Asian countries chart sustainable growth pathways

South Asian Region (SAR) is home to some of the largest and fastest economies in the world. At the same time, it is highly vulnerable to climate change. Challenge from these economies comes from the fact that the energy demand is growing at a very fast pace compared to the rest of the world. Its GHG emissions in 2017-19 was responsible for approximately 8.7% of global GHG emissions and is estimated to grow upto approximately 12.2% annually by 2030 under current policy commitments. Therefore, the stakes are high for South Asia to ensure that the Paris commitments are met.

One Sun One World One Grid: A turning point for people and planet

The WSDS 2021 plenary session, 'Developing a Long-term Vision for Implementing One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWG)', brought forward the new energy paradigm created by the initiative, as well as the role that hydrogen, wind and solar will play in a sustainable future.

Seize the opportunities, save our oceans, build a blue economy

Panellists speaking at the plenary session on Clean Oceans and a Blue Economy: A Pathway for Sustainable Ocean Management at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021, discussed the pressing need to curtail, and even eliminate, ocean pollutants in the long run.

Loss of biodiversity & rise in zoonotic diseases are closely intertwined

The plenary session on "Role of biodiversity conservation in a green and resilient post-pandemic economy" at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 did just that, as distinguished experts from across the globe explored the deep linkages between biodiversity loss and the rise in zoonotic diseases.

The global ‘green race’ requires support of all stakeholders

While a lot has been achieved so far, the world is still a long way from transitioning to zero emissions. Collaborations between stakeholders is the key to accelerating the ambitious goals set for decarbonizing as early as 2030.

What will it take for us to act faster against air pollution?

But do we know enough to realise that it is no more an issue but an emergency? And what it will take us to act much faster against it? This was a common theme of discussion at the World Sustainability Development Summit’s Day 1 thematic track, ‘Are We Really Aware About Air Pollution and its Impacts?

India's energy transition hinges on effective grid balancing & extensive modelling

At the 1st thematic track on the topic 'Electricity Transition in India: National as well as State-level Interventions' at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021, an eminent panel deliberated on India's imminent electricity transition, renewable integration, and the need for grid flexibility in the electricity sector.