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This paper reviews and assesses India's energy policy in the context of its commitment to achieve the target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. It emphasizes the central role of green electrification, particularly through the expansion of solar power capacity. It discusses policies outside the energy sector that need to be part of a strategy of achieving this target, including the use of information technology, infrastructure development, and transportation. Furthermore, it examines possible policy options for accelerating the target date to 2050, especially with the use of carbon capture to manage the transition from the current heavy use of coal. The paper also discusses the possible financial and growth implications of various strategy options, arguing that feasible external financing commitments can allow India to achieve net-zero goals without sacrificing economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the EIA process and its effectiveness in addressing the impacts of a 190 km long national highway project along the Karnataka coast. We analyse the quality and relevance of the environmental clearance conditions established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and discusses their potential implications. The findings underline that most of the conditions that pertained to the prevention of pollution, restoration of mangroves, and protection of biodiversity lacked a scientific basis and specific information required for effective implementation. The MoEF&CC also overlooked the social impact of the project and underplayed its own role in ensuring fair compensation to project affected communities for the loss of their land and other livelihoods. The paper concludes by promulgating a long list of irrelevant and ineffective environmental conditions that represent greenwashing because it could misguide affected communities and other stakeholders by creating the impression the state is exercising due diligence in protecting the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Authentic species-level identification is key to many fields of entomology, especially insect pest management and biosecurity. Bamboo, known as "Poor Man's Timber" and "Green Gold", is one of the fastest growing plants on earth. Bamboo and food grain crops (rice and wheat, for example) belong to the same family (Poaceae), so there is a chance of host shift because of global climate change and extensive cultivation. In the present study, the colour polymorphism of the bamboo-feeding leafhopper Mukaria splendida is highlighted, along with additional geographical distribution records. The integration of the morpho-molecular data confirmed that all the colour morphs belonged to the same species, M. splendida. The leafhopper species, Mukaria splendida Distant, is economically important due to itsstatus as a pest on bamboo and was recently reported to bea vector for phytoplasmal disease. Morphological identification is often difficult and requires a high level of taxonomic expertise, with misidentifications causing problematic false-positive/negative results. In this paper, colour polymorphism was recorded in the bamboo-feedingleafhopper M. splendida (Distant, 1908), which is a major insect pest in the bamboo ecosystem based on explorations conducted in different locations of India. Ten morphs were identified for each sex of M. splendida Distant based on the colour pattern on the pronotum and forewings. However, in view of the economic importance of the species, the morphological studies were integrated with the molecular data for the accurate identification of the species. The morphological characteristics and sequence results of the amplified product of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene confirmed that all the morphs were M. splendida and the pairwise distance matrix showed a negligible genetic distance in the COI mtDNA gene. Simulated future predictions, along with detailed notes on the colour polymorphic forms with illustrations, and additional distribution records as well as thebiology of M. splendida were discussed in light of the available literature, all of which will aid the authentic identification of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of climate change, countries all over the world are making numerous efforts to transition to a bio-based economy from a fossil fuel-based economy. This paper looks at the motivations and policy initiatives in India that drive the transition to a bio-based economy. This article focusses on the bioenergy sector and the comparative analysis of the historical developments in the biofuels domain leading to the biofuel policies of 2009 and 2018. As a potential contributor to bio-based economy by ensuring energy self-reliance, clean energy and increasing farmers income, this article analyses the shifts in the policies, the technical trajectories. It examines the opportunities and challenges in developing and harnessing the advanced biofuels and the initiatives taken in recent years in this regard. It points out that there are many challenges and highlights the importance of engaging with stakeholders in development of policy. Considering the opportunities, the issues that could arise and the potential and need for biofuels for energy security and to fulfil other objectives, it makes some suggestions for policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A palynological assay of the studies carried out from the Western and the Eastern Himalaya (India) during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene is presented here. The Western Himalaya is affected by both the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and Western Disturbances, whereas the Eastern Himalaya receives precipitation only from the ISM. During the Late Pleistocene (~77 ka), a cold and arid climate supported steppe vegetation in the Western Himalaya. In the Eastern Himalaya, around 66 ka, a cool and dry climate supported the savannah vegetation with few scattered trees of Pinus and Tsuga. A number of warm-moist fluctuations are also perceptible during the Late Pleistocene. The impacts of Last Glacial Maximum, Holocene Climatic Optimum, Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age are well discernible in the vegetation in both the regions. Within a broad similarity, the climate change and associated vegetation succession varied from region to region; as the palynological records are characterized by the evidences of prolonged humid phases in the eastern sector, whereas the arid events are better marked in the western part. The similarities and incompatibilities in the climate and vegetation between the Western and Eastern Himalaya during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene are discussed in the present paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2009, the Government of India asked all Indian states and Union Territories to prepare State Action Plans on Climate Change, making it one of the largest efforts at sub-national climate planning globally. Through an examination of state climate plans in five Indian states, the paper explores the implications of sub-national climate measures by examining two questions: First, how do state action plans on climate change link with India’s national and international climate efforts in the context of multi-level governance of climate change? Second, do these plans serve as laboratories of experimentation in addressing climate change? Through an empirically driven inductive analysis, the paper argues that because state climate plans, at least in the initial stages, followed a centrally driven, and sometimes ambiguous agenda, their scope and room to experiment was circumscribed. While they did initiate a process and a conversation, the scope and impact of the plans was limited because they tended to follow conventional bureaucratic planning processes and were limited by a central mandate. The plan process did create some space for local innovation, particularly by enterprising bureaucrats, but this was limited by both restricted space and time for innovation. As a result, the plans made only initial steps toward bringing climate-resilient sustainability to the forefront of state development planning. There is however scope for improvement as states and stakeholders begin examining the plans with a view to implement recommendations, finance projects and even consider fresh iterations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper evaluates Digital Accessible Knowledge on occurrence of Indian bird species. More than 2 million primary occurrence records from across India were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and eBird. These were processed into maps of inventory completeness across the country both prior to 1980 and after 2000, in an attempt to develop evaluations of faunal change resulting from global climate change. We found good coverage of the country by well-inventoried areas after 2000, but almost no coverage prior to 1980. As such, in before-and-after comparisons documenting effects of global change on Indian birds, the 'after' is well documented, but the 'before' is lacking. This significant information gap points to the need for digital capture and open sharing of historical information regarding Indian bird species' occurrences; this information will derive in large part from natural history museum specimens, particularly in India and Great Britain, and potentially from older observational data sources and the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observed meteorological data demonstrates that temperature has increased by 0.74 °C in the last hundred years with the bulk of the warming occurring in the last 50 years. This paper examines the impact of climate change on five major crops in the former state of Andhra Pradesh using district level panel data for the period 1981–2010. Analysis of data shows that crop yields are significantly impacted by climate for rice, tobacco and groundnut. Crops grown in rabi are more susceptible to changes in climate than those in kharif, while drought crops like jowar are found to withstand changes in climate better than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the discussion on the rationale and scope for water demand and supply management in India, this paper provides a brief overview of the status and effectiveness, as well as the technical, institutional and financial requirements of six demand management options (i.e. water pricing, water markets, water rights, energy regulations, water saving technologies, and user and community organizations) and one supply management option (involving the implementation of the National River Linking Project, NRLP). The paper then develops a framework that captures the analytics of water demand management in terms of both the impact pathways of and operational linkages among the options and their underlying institutions. Using this framework, the paper outlines a strategy for water demand management that can exploit well the inherent synergies among the options, and also align them well with the underlying institutional structure and its environment. Similarly, based on an analysis of the NRLP, the paper also indicates the strategy for implementing the NRLP and thereby promoting water supply management within the financial, institutional and political constraints. The paper concludes with the policy implications for water demand and supply management in India. Citation Saleth, R. M. (2011) Water scarcity and climatic change in India: the need for water demand and supply management. Hydrol. Sci. J. 56(4), 671-686. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy principles can lead to a series of opportunities to tackle climate change, particularly in cities of developing countries where the generation of waste, consumption and demand for energy is growing rapidly. This paper aims to advance the understanding of the expansion of circularity for tackling climate change using biomass for energy at the urban scale. In addition, little is known about how Circular Economy (CE) flows can be quantitatively integrated, what potential trade-offs exist in promoting Circular Economy using biomass, and how governance models can integrate these flows and contribute to a Circular Economy transition in cities. Based on an empirical study of a city in India, where the private sector participation through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model enabled the use of urban wastewater in thermal power plants, the study presents the viability of Circular Economy models at the city scale. The feasibility of a further expansion of this circularity by co-firing biomass in local thermal power plants was analyzed, as a potential solution for reducing pollution and carbon emissions in a hard-to-abate sector. The result indicated an average 20.5 MJ kg−1 calorific value for torrefied mixed biomass pellets from crop residues, which, if applied to about 447 kt y−1 surplus biomass available in Nagpur would amount to 9.18 PJ of energy (per year). Overall, local power plants demanded about 19.85 Mt of coal in 2017–18, equivalent to 297.8 PJ in that fiscal year. Thus, the supply of torrefied pellets from peri-urban crop residues can meet between 2 and 3% of the demand from coal-fired power plants, resulting in a 0.3% decrease in the emissions from the power sector in India in 2017–18 (i.e., 922 MtCO 2), benefiting different sectors and levels of government. The analysis provides a framework for understanding the technical and institutional possibilities for strengthening the relationship between circular economy and climate change in the cities of developing countries by connecting flows and systems within and beyond urban centers. Therefore, the expansion of Circular Economy in cities can occur by integrating urban sectors and policy coordination at different levels of governance. Partnerships between local governments, utilities, and civil society for co-managing energy, water, and waste in cities can reduce the financial burden on national governments, including meeting national emission targets. [Display omitted] • Urban circular economy can be advanced using biomass in thermal power plants. • Our model estimates biomass contribution to national decarbonization targets. • Biomass pellets can meet between 2 and 3% of the demand from local coal-fired power plants. • Such replacement accounts for a 0.3% decrease (or 922 MtCO 2) in the emissions from India's power sector. • Results contribute to the design of CE models for cities and regions by including different levels of government and sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is anxiety that has been rising vis-à-vis the climate changes in the entire world. Notwithstanding this, the primary purpose of this paper is to examine the board characteristics and carbon emission performance. This study applied the fixed effect model, 2SLS, and multiple regression analyses data from 220 non-financial listed companies on the BSE index and covering a period of 7 years from FY 2014-15 to FY 2020-21. The estimated results confirmed that board size, board meetings, board gender diversity, CEO duality, and ownership concentration have a negative association with carbon emission performance. In addition, board independence and the environmental committee are found to be positively associated with carbon emission performance based on 2 SLS and multiple regression analyses, and these results imply that they improve carbon performance. Overall, this study's shreds of evidence suggest that governing boards tend to pay attention to company's carbon performance and without mitigating original carbon performance is not likely to reduced GHGs emissions. This study's outcomes have significant implications for policymakers, corporate bodies, creditors, and regulators regarding the efficiency of corporate governance mechanisms in communicating climate change risks. However, corporate boards can use these results to find positive aspects of companies and formulate possible corporate governance modifications in relation to carbon policies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's position on climate change negotiations is likely to have far reaching implications for the success of global climate cooperation. Since the beginning of negotiations, the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) remained the centerpiece of India's stand. The stand started to evolve at the 15th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Copenhagen in 2009, when India accepted voluntary commitments to reduce emission intensity. Though India still swears by CBDR, status of the principle in the negotiations has become doubtful after the Durban Climate Conference in 2011 committed all parties to take emission targets. This paper traces major transition points in India's negotiating position over the years and provides a descriptive context of its climate-related concerns. It analyzes the interview responses of 15 top scientists, experts, and negotiators to build upon core areas of climate change issues in India, its future role, and position in negotiations. Interviewees, in general, were in favor of protecting the carbon space for the poor who had very low emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fires due to pine needles in the northwestern Himalayas during summers are a very common phenomenon every year causing major harm to flora and fauna. They are a major contributor to climate change as forest fires destroy hectares of land covered by forest and emit greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. One possible solution to this problem is to generate energy from the bio residue of pine tree. This paper intends to identify, categorize and prioritize the major factors that hinders and are barriers to energy generation using pine needles in the state of Uttarakhand, India. This paper adopts a multi-criteria decision-making approach based on the technique of fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process. Sensitivity analysis is also used to test the robustness of this technique. The study finds that Legal and regulatory factors are the most critical and categorized as major influences of such renewable energy generation project, which includes government policy, project guidelines, financial support, technical support, and government clearances. The second barrier is economic which majorly includes cost factor associated with the development and sustenance of such energy generation projects. Technological and market related factors are next on the priority to energy generation using pine needles through limitations such as topography, hilly terrain, seasonal availability, supply chain, poor marketing. Human resource barriers stands at the fifth place and has less influence on such energy generation initiatives. This paper will help the policy makers to understand the priorities while solving energy generation issues to reduce forest fires and contribute to mitigate climate change. • To categorize the major factors negatively affecting energy generation using Pine needles. • To assess and prioritize these barriers. • To deliver managerial and practical implications for these barriers. • Legal and regulatory most critical barrier to pine needle based energy generation. • Lack of proper marketing has topmost global ranking as barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The co-benefits approach has been proposed as a means for mainstreaming environmental concerns into urban development, especially in developing countries. This paper reviews the Indian situation setting out the urban-environmental challenge. National policies related to urban development, climate change and specific sectors are examined and then, with the aid of cases, analysed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of generating co-benefits in the world's second most populous country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

At the international level, India is emerging as a key actor in climate negotiations, while at the national and sub-national levels, the climate policy landscape is becoming more active and more ambitious. It is essential to unravel this complex landscape if we are to understand why policy looks the way it does, and the extent to which India might contribute to a future international framework for tackling climate change as well as how international parties might cooperate with and support India's domestic efforts. Drawing on both primary and secondary data, this paper analyzes the material and ideational drivers that are most strongly influencing policy choices at different levels, from international negotiations down to individual states. We argue that at each level of decision making in India, climate policy is embedded in wider policy concerns. In the international realm, it is being woven into broader foreign policy strategy, while domestically, it is being shaped to serve national and sub-national development interests. While our analysis highlights some common drivers at all levels, it also finds that their influences over policy are not uniform across the different arenas, and in some cases, they work in different ways at different levels of policy. We also indicate what this may mean for the likely acceptability within India of various climate policies being pushed at the international level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the structural aspects of climate vulnerabilities in the context of monsoon failures. The paper is based on a unique household survey, conducted in Tamil Nadu, India. The study uses a rural differentiation framework to interrogate unequal vulnerabilities to monsoon failures, based on measures such as Gini coefficients and Lorenz curves of monetary losses. Results show that negative consequences of climate change in general, and monsoon failures in particular, intensify pre-existing socio-economic disparities. When the rural differentiation theory is applied in a broader sense, the analysis shows that landed and farming households have greater exposure and losses. When we move beyond these aggregate categories, the revelation is that households with pre-existing disadvantages such as marginal landholders, subsistence farmers and agricultural workers are more vulnerable. • Global warming affects agriculture in South Asia in a major way through monsoon failures. • Vulnerability to monsoon failures can be measured by associated monetary losses. • These losses are highly unevenly distributed, pointing to significant inequality in impacts. • Landless households, marginal holders and subsistence farmers have higher losses. • Climate change intensifies existing structural disadvantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The on-going climate change concerns have stimulated heavy interest in biofuels, and supporters of biofuels hail that they are considered naturally carbon-neutral. Critiques on the other hand cry that the large-scale production of biofuels can not only strain agricultural resources, but also threaten future food security. People who live in the drylands of India are often faced with challenges and constraints of poverty. Foremost among the challenges are the marginal environmental conditions for agriculture, often influenced by low and erratic rainfall, frequent droughts, poor soil condition, unreliable irrigation water supply, and rural migration to urban areas in search of work. In this paper, we have analyzed a case study of community lift irrigation practiced in India and its impact in boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing local food security. The lift-irrigation model practiced in the drylands of India to grow food crops can be adopted for the expansion of biofuel crops that has the potential to eradicate poverty among farming communities if appropriate sustainable development measures are carefully implemented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]