Publications

What Adolescents Know and Believe About Reclaimed Water and Water Scarcity: A Survey of School Children in National Capital Region

Research Paper
| June 21, 2023

Based on a questionnaire survey administered to 540 adolescents (10-14 years old), the study offers some insights into what adolescents perceive as the causes of water scarcity in cities and whether reclaimed municipal wastewater can alleviate it. The study revealed that adolescents are aware of looming water crisis but lack solution based knowledge. Advertisements, community workshops and educational campaigns can enhance their water caring behaviour. Also girls are warier than boys to use reclaimed water for drinking.

Acceptability of reclaimed municipal wastewater in cities: evidence from India’s National Capital Region

Research Paper
| June 20, 2023

Willingness to reuse reclaimed municipal wastewater was ascertained through a questionnaire completed by 424 respondents, opinions of 17 experts, and interviews with 15 farmers. Information was collected to assess their knowledge of water scarcity and to determine the influence of demographics, correlation to perceived risk, willingness, challenges, and barriers related to the acceptance of reclaimed water. Most respondents were receptive to the idea of using it for purposes other than drinking, and ‘water conservative’ individuals were inclined towards using it even for drinking.

Strengthening Health System Responses to Climate Risks in Multilateral Processes

Research Paper
| June 16, 2023

Climate change, identified by the World Health Organization as the biggest health threat of the 21st century, has wide-ranging impacts on human health and well-being. These include direct effects like heatwaves from rising temperatures, and indirect effects such as respiratory disorders from air pollution. Economic consequences include increased unemployment, financial stress, and social inequalities. Additionally, global health systems face significant risks, such as the emergence of new diseases, frequent extreme weather events, and heightened vulnerability to existing health challenges.

Reformed MDBs for a Just Energy Transition in Emerging Economies

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are potentially an important source of finance for low-carbon transition pathways and just transition in the emerging economies. However, there is increasing concern among the developing countries that MDBs are unable to mobilise adequate finance to be in line with the global goals. The G20 injected a huge momentum towards reforming MDBs’ operations by commissioning an independent review of their Capital Adequacy Framework (CAF), which primarily defines their capacity to leverage shareholder’s capital contribution for financing.

Low Carbon Development Pathways for Cooling: Leveraging Kigali Amendment Across Residential Applications

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Heating and cooling demand for space conditioning and refrigeration accounts for around a fifth of global final energy consumption. Climate change, urbanisation, and economic development have tripled electricity demand for cooling alone since the 1990s, with the majority coming from the use of inefficient cooling equipment, which burdens electricity grids, especially during the peak hours. It is imperative to address the energy required to provide cooling.

From Planning to Action: Rethinking the Role of Cities in Accelerating Net-Zero Transitions

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Cities are responsible for over 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 75 percent of primary energy consumption. By 2050, over two-thirds of the world population will live in cities, resulting in even greater infrastructure needs and increased carbon emissions. Yet, cities largely remain on the side-lines in the design of national and international green transition policies. Cities can combine policy, practice, and participation by leveraging innovation, technology, and partnerships while transforming local governance models.

Nanomaterials for enhancing photosynthesis: interaction with plant photosystems and scope of nanobionics in agriculture

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

The complex process of photosynthesis requires precise arrangements of light harvesting molecules in the photosynthetic system. Artificial imitation of such reaction systems is difficult as they involve complex protein structures. Global population increase and the associated rise in demand for food have become a vital concern in the present and therefore it is essential to develop methods to improve agricultural yields, enhancing photosynthesis could be key to this.

Empowering Subnational Approaches through Multilateralism to Combat Climate Change

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Dialogues on climate issues, including the various multilateral agreements, have largely been driven by traditional state-tostate diplomacy. Nevertheless, over the years, new diplomatic players, such as cities, public institutions, and other subnational entities, are gaining signifi cant importance in climate diplomacy, and have brought forward ambitious commitments. Still, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change remains the domain of national entities and does not recognise subnational actors as formal parties to the convention.

Mobilising Finance for Climate Action and Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure in Developing Countries

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

A fundamental obstacle all cities, especially those in developing countries, must overcome on the path to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future is the lack of capital and access to finance. International adaptation finance flows to developing countries remain between five and ten times lower than the estimated needs, and the gap is widening. As the impacts of climate change intensify, the developing world urgently needs financial mechanisms to mobilise funds to help vulnerable countries and communities adapt and build disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Delivery of Agrochemicals and Nutrients Through a Biopolymer‑Based System Derived from Lignocellulosic Rice Straw

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Contemporary agricultural practises have stimulated environmental pollution, which has led to the debasement of the ecosystem, land, and environment. The utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is increasing annually, which further damages agriculture. The current situation in agriculture has become unsustainable. Recent advances in nanotechnology have provided an innovative and resourceful approach to the agriculture sector by implementing a biopolymer-based delivery system that delivers agrochemicals in a controlled manner without polluting the environment.