The Essential Role of Environmental and Climate Sciences | ESG Whitepaper

2. Unlocking India’s Sustainable Future: The Crucial Role of Environmental and Climate Sciences 2 Abstract This whitepaper explores the need to prioritize environmental and climate sciences in India’s development agenda. Despite the dominance of politics and commerce, neglecting scientific disciplines such as environmental science, climate research, and geology poses significant risks. We discuss the importance of integrating scientific insights into policymaking and corporate strategies to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for India. Introduction India’s rapid growth has catapulted it onto the global stage, but at what cost? While politics and commerce take center stage, vital scientific disciplines are left backstage. Ignoring environmental science, climate research, and geology is not just shortsighted – it is risky. This paper highlights why India must integrate scientific perspectives into its development plans.

3. Unlocking India’s Sustainable Future: The Crucial Role of Environmental and Climate Sciences 3 The Current Landscape: Science Takes a Backseat Policy Blind Spots Without scientific input, policies can be misguided. For example, inadequate environmental assessments for infrastructure projects can lead to ecological disasters, such as unchecked construction along coastlines causing erosion or excessive groundwater extraction leading to land subsidence. Real-World Solutions Science provides the answers to complex problems such as climate change and resource management. Predictive models from climate researchers and sustainable practices from geologists are essential. For example, studies by the Indian Institute of Science link deforestation to increased flooding – the knowledge we cannot afford to ignore. Underappreciated and Underfunded Environmental scientists and geologists in India often struggle for recognition and support. Unlike their counterparts in the political and commercial sectors, these professionals face funding shortages and limited career opportunities. This lack of support stifles critical research and innovation. Economic Sense Scientific insights can drive sustainable growth. For instance, renewable energy projects in Rajasthan, guided by environmental research, reduce fossil fuel dependency and create jobs. Similarly, Tata Steel’s CO2 capture technology, developed through rigorous scientific methods, sets a new industry benchmark. Figure 1: Survey of Scientists Receiving Grants/Pay-Checks Corporate Accountability Businesses that embrace science excel in ESG metrics, attract investors, and gain public trust. Scientific research helps minimize environmental footprints and foster sustainable innovations. 44.1% 14.6% No A Yes Not applicable 42.2% < 5 laksh 52.9% 5-10 lakshs 10-15 lakhs > 15 lakhs B Not applicable None 22.6% No seed grant Nil Source: Career Challenges for Young Independent Researchers in India

4. Unlocking India’s Sustainable Future: The Crucial Role of Environmental and Climate Sciences 4 Case Studies and Examples The Price of Ignoring Science Ignoring science invites severe consequences: Economic Fallout Failing to consider climate risks can lead to economic instability. Erratic monsoon patterns, which cause agricultural distress, highlight the economic impacts of climate change on India’s agrarian economy. Social Strife Environmental mismanagement fuels social unrest. Chennai’s water crisis, driven by over- extraction and erratic rainfall, exemplifies how environmental neglect exacerbates social inequalities and disrupts communities. Renewable Energy Success Environmental scientists and geologists in India often struggle for recognition and support. Unlike their counterparts in the political and commercial sectors, these professionals face funding shortages and limited career opportunities. This lack of support stifles critical research and innovation. Figure 2: Influence of Core Sciences in ESG 24% 20% River Restoration Projects 8% The rejuvenation of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad illustrates how integrating environmental science into urban development can yield impressive results. By applying scientific techniques for water management and pollution control, the project has transformed the riverfront into a vibrant public space, boosting tourism and local businesses while improving environmental health. 48% Aligning technology with renewable resources Using technology to reduce the use of non-renewable resources Using technology to meet the social goals Using technology to meet the governance goals Urban Planning and Resilience Source: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Cities like Pune and Surat use climate science in urban planning to tackle climate change. The Climate Resilient City Action Plan for Surat showcases how scientific input enhances urban resilience.

5. Unlocking India’s Sustainable Future: The Crucial Role of Environmental and Climate Sciences 5 Public Awareness and Education Boosting public awareness about environmental science is crucial. Educational programs and media campaigns can foster a culture of sustainability. Schools and universities should emphasize environmental education to inspire future generations. Conclusion India’s future hinges on elevating environmental and climate sciences. Integrating scientific insights into policy and business strategies is crucial for sustainable development. As we look ahead, let us remember that science holds the keys to a thriving, sustainable tomorrow – something no politician or businessman can unlock alone. So, next time you are stuck in traffic cursing the smog, remember: it is not just hot air; it is a sign that we need to listen to our scientists. References • Towards sustainability science. (2010). Environmental Social Science, 143–157. https://doi. org/10.1002/9781444319057.ch8 • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) (no date) UKRI. Available at: https://www.ukri.org/councils/ nerc/ (Accessed: 17 July 2024). • Kozlowski, M. and Yusof, Y.M. (2016) ‘The role of urban planning and design in responding to climate change: The Brisbane experience’, International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 8(1), pp. 80–95. doi:10.1108/ijccsm-05-2014-0064. • Vallecha, H. and Bhola, P. (2019) ‘Sustainability and replicability framework: Actor network theory based critical case analysis of Renewable Community Energy Projects in India’, • Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 108, pp. 194–208. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2019.03.053. • ‘Enabling urban climate action in Accra, Ghana: Policy pathways and advances toward urban climate resilience’ (2022) Urban Climate Resilience, pp. 105–124. doi:10.4337/9781803922508.00010. • ‘Economic impacts of agricultural soil degradation in Asia’ (2016) Food Security and Environmental Quality in the Developing World, pp. 85–104. doi:10.1201/9781420032215- • Agashe, D. et al. (2022) ‘Career challenges for young independent researchers in India’, Current Science, 122(2), p. 135. doi:10.18520/cs/v122/i2/135-143 • Park, J., Choi, W. and Jung, S.-U. (2022) ‘Exploring trends in environmental, social, and governance themes and their sentimental value over time’, Frontiers in psychology. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC9275432/ (Accessed: 17 July 2024)

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