TERI and Global Green Growth Institute to work together for inclusive green growth

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) organized High-level Panel Discussion on Green Growth and Development in India , where discussions were held around insights and recommendations at the national level and particularly, in the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to move in the direction of inclusive green growth and sustainable development.  In order to understand linkages between development outcomes and green interventions in Himachal Pradesh, the project utilizes three models (climate, soil and water assessment, and power analysis). The study looks at specific challenges faced by the state governments of Punjab and HP.

The national level modeling assessment projects that one of the development benefits as a result of green growth interventions can be reduced poverty as well as additional employment creation of 117 lakhs, out of which 79 lakhs can be skilled jobs. The national study also highlighted the need for capacity building for implementation and data collection for decision-making related to environmental sustainability.

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who addressed the occasion through a video message, emphasized on the need to look at the ‘polluter pays’ principle as one of the ways of tackling climate change, adding that India is ready and forthcoming to be part of the solution for addressing the issue of climate change.

Shri Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, who was present at the occasion, emphasized on the importance of creating knowledge in collaboration with government agencies, highlighting that “there is a need for voluntary compliance along with regulatory measures”. He also mentioned the need for process innovations in manufacturing, services and transport sectors to adapt to the changing scenario.

Panel discussions focused on the need for considering equity and governance mechanisms with stronger institutions and capacity building at the centre and state levels; and the need for common but differentiated responsibilities and sustainable development goals to be the key drivers for green growth. Dr Suneel Pandey (Director, Green Growth and Resource Efficiency) highlighted the necessity for interdisciplinary integrated assessments for creating policy advocacy.

Discussions on finance for green growth in India revolved around introducing policy reform with focus on accessing finance through project proposals especially for state governments. Dr Ajay Mathur (Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency) said that there is an urgent requirement for creating demand and sustaining demand for green growth products and initiatives.

Other luminaries present at the event included Shri Chandrashekhar Dasgupta (Distinguished Fellow Emeritus, TERI), Shri B K Chaturvedi (Former Cabinet Secretary), Dr. Prodipto Ghosh (Distinguished Fellow, TERI), Mr S Vijay Kumar (Distinguished Fellow, TERI), Dr. Ajay Mathur (Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency) and Shri Siddarthan Balasubramania (Country Head, Global Green Growth Institute), Shri Piyush Dogra (World Bank), Shri R. K. Verma (Member, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority), Shri R.K. Batta (Divisional Commissioner, Government of Himachal Pradesh), Dr. Sunil Saxena (Punjab State Council for Science and Technology).