Publications
Brahmapuram Landfill Fire: Points towards the Need for Decentralized Waste Management
Article
| June 8, 2023
In this article, Sharada Balasubramanian highlights that a series of flames have been breaking out, year after year, at the Brahmapuram landfill in Kerala. Yet, it was not taken seriously. This year, the massive uncontrollable fire breakout urged the Kochi Corporation to take serious steps to resolve this issue as it impacted the health of people and the environment. Brahmapuram is the only landfill that is a bone of contention in Kerala, where solid waste management, otherwise is decentralized and systematic.
Nano steps towards Climate Smart Agriculture
Article
| May 31, 2023
Its deceptively small size is no measure of its impact. Nanotechnology may work at a small scale, but the minuscule size of nanomaterials belies their efficiency. Little wonder then that the technology is being increasingly applied in agriculture to enhance efficacy and, importantly, to shrink the adverse impact of conventional chemical fertilizers on the environment and health.
A comparative assessment of biomass pretreatment methods for the sustainable industrial upscaling of rice straw into cellulose
Article
| April 18, 2023
Source- Cellulose Publisher- Springer Nature Year- 18 March 2023 Weblink- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10570-023-05161-4 This paper gives a comprehensive characteristic comparison of cellulose-rich variants obtained from the rice straw using different pretreatment methods along with the preliminary cost analyses indicating their potential economic feasibility.
‘Air to Water’ technology - offering potential to achieve Water for All
Policy brief
| March 28, 2023
Phosphate-assisted remediation of Pb(II) from Jarosite
Research Paper
| March 20, 2023
Jarosite is an essential solid industrial waste material which is generated during the hydrometallurgical processing of zinc in smelters. Besides zinc and iron, Jarosite also contains toxic heavy metals like Pb, Cd, Al, Cr, Cu etc. due to which it is environmentally hazardous. Due to the presence of heavy metals, the useful Zn, Fe components cannot be utilized safely. Therefore, it is necessary to remove Pb(II), a major toxic element, to make it useful. In this report, a green process for immobilization of Pb(II) using phosphate materials (physiochemical adsorption) is discussed.
Mainstreaming Climate-Resilient Water and Sanitation Infrastructure For Long Lasting Impacts
Article
| March 17, 2023
In this article, Manisha Jain and Dr Kriti Akansha highlight that it is necessary to support long-term thinking, transformation, flexibility and innovation while taking the associated climate risks into consideration to attain climate resilience. There is a need for a robust framework that ensures climate policies are integrated into all sectors and that planning, implementation, and evaluation are strictly followed.
International Year of Millets
Article
| March 10, 2023
Renewed Focus on Nutrition Storehouse The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). In this article, Livleen K Kahlon says that with the UNGA declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, there’s a renewed focus on these nutritious grains. This move will serve best in the interest of developing countries, where almost 97 per cent of global millet production happens. But, it is going to take a lot of effort to change the mindset and lifestyles of consumers towards a millet-positive diet.
An Assessment of Avoided CO2 Emissions during Construction, Maintenance and Operation of National Highways
Policy brief
| February 22, 2023
India has the 2nd largest road network in the world. Amongst the different types of roads, the National Highways extending to 1,44,634 km has contributed significantly to India’s rapid economic development. The rapid pace of construction of highways is enabling integration of the local economies of far flung towns and villages into the national economy.
Climate Actions for Businesses
Article
| January 31, 2023
How Big Should These Be? When we talk and act on climate action and the energy transition in emerging economies, the discussion can range from topics such as climate mitigation, adaptation, energy transition, financing, and business model innovation to next-generation technologies.