Over time governments and policy makers worldwide have strived to gain better understanding of the climate system and what it entails. It is but natural that analysis and evaluation of past and present trends is required to comprehend why this has become a serious threat for the world. This leads to dialogue to find practical and empowering solutions to the problem of global climate change governance.

The threat of climate change has also made the world business community realize that it has to make a crucial contribution to fight this challenge. Accordingly the World Economic Forum has in fact drawn up a framework for stimulating a "clean revolution" in the private sector within the next few years even as governments continue negotiations on a climate policy framework in the United Nations.

At TERI, the focus on climate change had commenced in the 1980s. Since then, it has been actively contributing to the discourse on climate change both on the national and international stage. From discussion among policy makers, scientists and other stakeholders to formulating strategies, preparing roadmaps, feeding into policy processes, the institute has been at the forefront with the view to evolve a long-term climate change regime.

In the area of climate policy, on the domestic front, TERI provided technical inputs for the preparation of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), addressing climate concerns and priority areas for action on adaptation and mitigation in India. The institute's expertise was also used in preparation of a detailed roadmap for the National Solar Mission and the National Water Mission and it was also part of the consortium of consultants who provided technical inputs towards the National Mission on Sustainable Habitats.

TERI has also taken lead in following international debates on many important issues. This research domain also fed into the political process that led to the Copenhagen meet in December 2009. Further, its work on ethics-based climate change regime - supported by the Helsinki Process of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland - seeks to identify principles on key aspects relevant for developing an equitable future climate change regime. In addition, work under the Norwegian framework aims to identify, explore and address barriers to make decisions operational now, up to, and beyond 2012.

The institute also looks at policies and approaches that help illuminate technology development and transfer negotiations. In addition it is also involved in assessing investment and financial flows to address climate change for selected key sectors to enable developing countries to prepare detailed work plans and selecting specific methodologies and data sets.

In addition, TERI is also working on policy proposals for generating good quality, new jobs in open, international low carbon industries. This project, which is a part of the Global Climate Network's (GCN) research programme, focuses on assessing economic opportunities presented by the transition to a low carbon future. It is common knowledge that in order to make the world safer it is critical to introduce environment friendly technologies, which are a prelude to low carbon jobs and to make this a reality, we must champion the cause of opportunity in the low carbon agenda.