---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: CSE <cse@equitywatch.org>
Date: Thu, Nov 3, 2011 at 8:49 AM
Subject: How to rewrite the Durban script-CSE's Fortnightly News Bulletin (Nov 2, 2011)
To: csewhatsnew2@lists.csenews.org, csewhatsnew3@lists.csenews.org, csewhatsnew4@lists.csenews.org, csewhatsnew5@lists.csenews.org, csewhatsnew6@lists.csenews.org
From: CSE <cse@equitywatch.org>
Date: Thu, Nov 3, 2011 at 8:49 AM
Subject: How to rewrite the Durban script-CSE's Fortnightly News Bulletin (Nov 2, 2011)
To: csewhatsnew2@lists.csenews.org, csewhatsnew3@lists.csenews.org, csewhatsnew4@lists.csenews.org, csewhatsnew5@lists.csenews.org, csewhatsnew6@lists.csenews.org
==================================================
CSE's Fortnightly News Bulletin (November 2, 2011)
==================================================
Warming up for the upcoming Conference of Parties in Durban at the end of the year, CSE is organising two conferences to catch up on the latest activities; See below for conference details.
The edit for the fortnight puts forth the 'expectations' from the Durban meeting we should anchor ourselves for, and our cover story is on natural gas as India's aspirations towards low carbon economy find themselves chained due to policy void.
=====================================================================================================================
CSE has come out with four decentralised newsletters apart from this fortnightly. Air pollution, water, governance, food safety and toxins are some of the subjects these newsletters focus on. Follow the link to subscribe: http://cseindia.my2.in/cseindia/?p=subscribe
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, just click
http://www.cseindia.org/content/please-enter-your-email-id-unsubscribe-cse-newsletter
If you have any questions or concerns about newsletter subscription, please contact Vikas Khanna at vikas@cseindia.org
===========================================
EDITORIAL: How to rewrite the Durban script
by Sunita Narain
===========================================
It's that time of the year again. Climate change talks are heating up, with the next conference of parties scheduled in Durban in end-November. There is heat but no light. The negotiations are stuck despite the clear signs of climate change: dangerous and potentially catastrophic extreme weather events.
Not much is expected in Durban, except the usual shadow-boxing. The European Union is leading the pack of climate champions. It wants the world to fast track negotiations for a single, legally binding treaty on cutting emissions. It does not say (loudly) that its real plan is to junk the Kyoto Protocol, which demands that industrialised countries cut emissions marginally, roughly 6 per cent below the 1990 levels by 2008-2012. The agreement in this Protocol is that rich countries, major historical and current emitters, go first, creating ecological and economic space for the developing world to grow. In time, the rest would follow. To facilitate actions in the developing and emerging world, technology and funds would be committed. All this done well would lead to a real deal. But it was not to be.
The US and its allies walked out of the Kyoto Protocol and now EU wants to dump it as well. It finds it difficult to meet its commitments to reduce emissions domestically.
At Durban, once again the stage is set for a dud act. EU will advocate climate action and its proposal for a single, legally binding treaty will get predictable responses. The US, the world's biggest climate renegade, which pulls all strings, will oppose the proposal. Its objective is to do little at home, but most importantly, not to be made responsible for taking action based on contribution to the problem. It wants the distinction between the past and present polluters to be removed. It wants no discussion on a legal instrument. The other big polluting guns—Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Canada—will stand behind the US.
In the Durban-script the roles for the rest of the actors have also been written. The Association of Small Island States (AOSIS), which is rightfully angry over inaction, will go with the EU-designed approach. It will see no choice but to back EU's proposal, even as it knows the stalemate will only prolong. On the other hand, China and India will side with the US and join the deniers. The rest, with small differences, will wait for the game to play out.
The host, South Africa, will want a deal in its city. What will this be? This country more than any other reflects the climate dilemma: to act or not to act? It has very high per capita emissions—almost equal to Europe's —but it is yet to share economic benefits and energy access with its majority poor. It is dependent on coal mining and exports, which it cannot jeopardise. But it wants to play the gracious host and somehow get its basic friends—the coalition of the emerging polluters, Brazil, India and China—to dine the last supper. Brazil may play along; it hosts the next big environment summit and would want to look good. But China and India will know too much is at stake. Once they accept a single instrument, they will have to take costly action, with no resources.
The die is not even cast. But the end game is known.
So what can change the outcome? I believe there is no other way but that the developing world regroups and takes leadership. Our world is the worst hit. We do not need to be preached about the pain of climate change. We know it. This leadership will require making tough demands. It will mean demanding drastic emission reduction targets for the rich world. But it is equally important that our world does not hide behind the intransigence of the US. Our world must explain that it is already doing much to reduce emission intensity of its growth—growth of renewables in China, reduction of deforestation in Brazil and energy efficiency in India. It can and will do more. However, the high costs of transition to low-carbon growth must be paid for. This leadership must be firm on principles of climate justice and effective action.
This approach, I know, will be scoffed at and derided as being impractical. It is partly because the non-governmental groups following climate negotiations mirror the divide in the world. One half, the followers of the US and its grouping, will say this stance will jeopardise their democratic government and bring back the dreaded Republicans—Neanderthals who do not believe climate change is real. The other group, followers of EU and its grouping, will say this is good in words, but will not lead to effective action. In Durban they will want a deal, at whatever costs.
But their hedging will hide the one truth that needs to be revealed: most of the low-hanging fruit—easy options to reduce emissions—have already been picked in the climate-threatened world. This fact cannot be more inconvenient coming at a time when the rich world is faced with a double-digit recession; the euro-zone is threatened; and people are worked up against austerity measures.
The Durban deal (like its predecessors Copenhagen and Cancun) will be bad for all if not based on accepting the hard truths of climate change. It is time we grew up.
Post your comments on this editorial online at http://downtoearth.org.in/content/how-rewrite-durban-script.
To follow the buzz prior to Durban, do see our events section below.
=======================
MORE FROM DOWN TO EARTH
=======================
- Cover Story: Desperate for gas
Gas is the cleanest of fossil fuels, but the lack of policy focus on it is dashing the hope of turning India into a largely gas-based economy and reducing carbon intensity
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/desperate-gas
- Special Report: Fever stalks UP
Already battling the Japanese encephalitis virus, Gorakhpur now has a new enemy: enterovirus
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/fever-stalks
- Special Report: Passive neighbour
India remains indifferent as China builds dams on upper reaches of Brahmaputra
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/passive-neighbour
- Special Report: Fall of the paragon
Century-old teak plantation business loses ground in India because of poor management and short-sighted policies
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/fall-paragon
- Features: The secret garden
Want to know about a lost variety of rice or a cure to asthma? Answers lie in the notebooks of schoolchildren and women of the Sundarbans and Madhyamgram
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/secret-garden
- 20 Years of DTE
Female literacy is crucial for checking population growth. But what does it take to keep girl children in school? Edited excerpts of a 1992 article by Anil Agarwal relating environment with female education.
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/forest-her
- News: Cabinet dilutes new mining bill
Alters provision on sharing of profits with affected people
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/cabinet-dilutes-new-mining-bill
- News: Reliance's unusual reward
It acquires CDM benefit for its business-as-usual power project in Jharkhand
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/reliance-s-unusual-reward
- News: Monsoon dates to be revised
Met department says monsoon activity has shifted in the past 60 years
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/monsoon-dates-be-revised
- Crosscurrents : Staying legal, staying reasonable
A law can be effective only if it's reasonable
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/staying-legal-staying-reasonable
- S&T: Carbon capture made easy
Salt, sugar and alcohol can help trap the greenhouse gas
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/carbon-capture-made-easy
- S&T: Silk route to healthy joints
Scientists grow cartilage tissue from silkworm protein
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/silk-route-healthy-joints
- Column: Patently Absurd
No climate for cleantech
http://downtoearth.org.in/category/section/patently-absurd
- From South Asia - Interview: Bhutan: Pursuit of happiness
In conversation with Karma Tshiteem, the secretary of the Gross National Happiness Commission, the novel name of Bhutan's Planning Commission
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/bhutan-pursuit-happiness
Down To Earth is now on Facebook and Twitter. Do follow us, share, comment, and discuss
and stay in constant touch with our reporters on www.facebook.com/down2earthindia and twitter@downtoearthindia.
==========================
Web DTE
==========================
Analysis: Rich nations can't dump toxic waste on poor nations
178 nations agree to enforce Basel Ban Amendment
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/rich-nations-can-t-dump-toxic-waste-poor-nations
Analysis: How cities can improve mobility
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/how-cities-can-improve-mobility
===========================
On India Environment Portal
===========================
- Sub-portal on South Asia and Sustainable Development: Provides in-depth information through news, reports, analysis, opinions and events, linked to other key institutions and websites etc. Please do contribute studies, reports, court orders etc, especially from our neighbouring countries in the South Asian region.
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/indepth/term/9790
- CSE Environment Photo Library
CSE's perspective and collection of photographs is now here to help illustrate your views on environment. Reach the online CSE Environment Photo Store at http://www.flickr.com/photos/csepictures
- Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/indiaenvportal and join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/indiaenvironmentportal/228015872817
- Get linked.
List and provide links of your organisation (or your library's website) on the portal as a 'free-to-use' online resource on environment.
For any assistance, please contact kiran@cseindia.org, kirandwi@gmail.com
=============================================
LEARNING WITH CSE
Courses offered by Anil Agarwal Green College
=============================================
Covering India: Where Journalism meets Environment - New Delhi, December 1 - 15, 2011
Date: December 1 to 15, 2011
This December, strap up and brace yourselves, learn to communicate the environment-development challenges in contemporary India.
Course details: http://www.cseindia.org/node/2607
Course Contact: Sharmila Sinha
(sharmila@cseindia.org / cseindiasharmila@gmail.com)
Ph: 91-11 29955124/6110/6399 (Ext: 270)
Fax: 91-11-29955879, AAGC Mobile: +91 9818482018
------------------------------------------------------
Orientation Programme on Managing Urban Air Quality: Focus on Clean Vehicle Technology and Fuels
Date: November 7 - 9, 2011
Course Modules:
- The urbanisation challenge
- Sources of air pollution
- Strategies to better urban air quality
- Technology roadmap for vehicles
- The inspection challenge
Course details: http://www.cseindia.org/node/2026
Course contact: Priyanka Chandola
Centre for Science and Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area
New Delhi – 110062
Tel: 011 - 29955124, 9810414938 (Mobile)
Fax: 011 - 29955879
Email: priyanka@cseindia.org
---------------------------------------------------------
A training programme on Social Impact Assessment
Date: November 9-11, 2011
To build capacity and create awareness among regulators, developers, NGOs and academicians in understanding the SIA process
Course Modules:
- Exposure to aspects of SIA, from theory to applications
- Integrated approach for addressing SIA and EIA process
- Knowledge on review of SIA reports and identification of strengths and weaknesses
- Post SIA monitoring
- Role of SIA in planning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Procedure for institutional strengthening and capacity building
- Experience sharing on national and international best practices adopted in SIA
Course details: http://www.cseindia.org/content/cse%E2%80%99s-short-term-training-programme-social-impact-assessment
Course contact: Sujit Kumar Singh
Industry & Environment Unit
Centre for Science and Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi-110062
Ph: 91-11-2995 5124 / 6110 (Ext. 281)
Mobile: 9899676027
Email: sujit@cseindia.org
-----------------------------------------------
Challenge of the Balance
A course on Policies, Politics & Practices of Environmental Management in the Developing World
Date: December 19, 2011 - January 6, 2011
Course Modules:
- Environmental governance in India
- Poverty and the biomass economy
- Ecological 'rights' and state of natural resource management (land, water & forests)
- Conservation regimes & the human-wildlife conflict
- Urban growth challenges
- Sustainable industrialization and pollution control
- Global environmental governance (focus on climate change politics)
Course details: http://www.cseindia.org/node/1259
Course contact: Sharmila Sinha
Assistant Coordinator, Education & Training
Centre for Science and Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110062
Email: sharmila@cseindia.org; cseindiasharmila@gmail.com
Mobile: +91-9818482018
Office Tel: +91 (011) 29955124 +91 (011) 29955124 / 125 /
Fax: +91 (011) 29955879
================================
UPDATES FROM OUR PROGRAMME UNITS
================================
South Asian Media Briefing Workshop on Climate Change, 2011
Journalists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, interested in the climate debate, will congregate for this annual workshop in Delhi.
Date: November 16-17, 2011
For more details, visit http://cseindia.org/content/invitation-cses-south-asian-media-briefing-workshop-climate-change-2011
or get in touch with Papia Samajdar at papia@cseindia.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second National Research Conference on Climate Change
CSE, in association with the Indian Institutes of Technology in Delhi and Madras, is organising the Second National Research Conference on Climate Change. The conference will be held in Delhi. We invite abstracts from faculty, students, and practitioners in the areas of climate science, impacts, adaptation and mitigation.
Date: November 5-6, 2011
For more details, visit http://cseindia.org/content/2nd-national-research-conference-climate-change
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Churning Still Water - National conference on lake conservation
CSE is organising a one-day national conference on lake conservation in the last week of January.The objective of the workshop is to set up a network of researchers, NGOs, legal advocates and regulators from India involved in the conservation of urban lakes.
We invite abstracts (not more than 250 words) from researchers, NGOs, faculties, law practicioners, in the areas relevant to lake conservation (and/or threats).
Abstract submission deadline: November 30, 2011.
Submissions should be sent to Sushmita at sushmita@cseindia.org
For further details, please visit http://www.cseindia.org/content/churning-still-water
---------------------------------------------------------------
National Seminar on 'Decentralised Wastewater Management Practices: Options and Challenges'
The aim of the seminar is to act as a forum to discuss and share experiences regarding the existing and upcoming decentralised sewage treatment concepts and technologies. Abstracts are invited from water experts at national level to present case studies on sustainable wastewater management practices – onsite & offsite.
Date: February 2012
Abstract submission deadline: January 14, 2012
Please send you submissions to Deblina at deblina@cseindia.org
Fore more details, kindly visit http://www.cseindia.org/node/3276
-------------------------------------------------------------
Jaipur Citizen's Survey: Transport and air quality challenges
CSE's Clean Air Campaign team is organising a citizens' survey in Jaipur to understand the challenges of air pollution and transportation that the city faces, and identify the way forward.
Would you like to volunteer your participation in the survey? Just fill out a form at http://cseindia.org/node/1190 and send it to us.
For details, please get in touch with Vivek at vivek@cseindia.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------
RainWater Harvesting Technical Support
Every Friday between 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, CSE provides detailed technical guidance to interested individuals, RWAs and institutions to implement rainwater harvesting. The technical assistance will be provided at CSE's office at 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area.
For details, see
http://www.cseindia.org/content/catch-rainwater-solve-your-water-problems
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technical advice: Decentralised wastewater treatment systems
Every second and fourth Friday, meet our experts at CSE, 41, Tughlaqabad Institutional Area for guidance on
planning and designing these systems.
For details, contact Deblina at deblina@cseindia.org or call her on 9899596661.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Seminar on 'Decentralised Wastewater Management Practices: Options and Challenges'
The aim of the seminar is to act as a forum to discuss and share experiences regarding the existing and upcoming decentralised sewage treatment concepts and technologies. Abstracts are invited from water experts at national level to present case studies on sustainable wastewater management practices – onsite & offsite.
Date: February 2012
Abstract submission deadline: January 14, 2012
Please send you submissions to Deblina at deblina@cseindia.org
Fore more details, kindly visit http://www.cseindia.org/node/3276
====================================
>From our stores
===================================
Books from CSE that you might have missed:
Climate Change and Natural Resources -- A book of activities for environmental education
This is a collection of easy-to-understand-and-do activities for students and teachers, to be done in classrooms and at homes. Do take a look at http://www.gobartimes.org/?q=node/201, or write to Vikas Khanna at vikas@cseindia.org
Mobility Crisis - Agenda for Action 2011
Our publication on the way cities are being held hostage by rising vehicular traffic, and some thoughts on how to break the gridlock
(Pages 116) PB: Rs 290 / US $12
Challenge of the new ballance
Based on a CSE study of the six most energy/emissions-intensive sectors of the country to determine India's low carbon growth options, this book is a must have for all who are interested in development economics and the way ahead for the country. The six sectors -- power,steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizer and paper & pulp -- together account for an estimated 61.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions in India, excluding emissions from agriculture and waste. Their energy profile is no less intensive...
(Pages 156) PB: Rs.690 / US $39
To order please visit: www.csestore.cse.org.in
Coming soon: Excreta Matters
CSE's 7th State of the India's Environment report on water and wastewater, based on a comprehensive survey of 71 Indian cities.
====================================
About this e-mail
====================================
You are receiving this newsletter because you have asked to be included in our list, attended a CSE event or requested information.
CSE is an independent, public interest organization that was established in 1982 by Anil Agarwal, a pioneer of India's environmental movement. CSE's mandate is to research, communicate and promote sustainable development with equity, participation and democracy.
CSE's Fortnightly News Bulletin (November 2, 2011)
==================================================
Warming up for the upcoming Conference of Parties in Durban at the end of the year, CSE is organising two conferences to catch up on the latest activities; See below for conference details.
The edit for the fortnight puts forth the 'expectations' from the Durban meeting we should anchor ourselves for, and our cover story is on natural gas as India's aspirations towards low carbon economy find themselves chained due to policy void.
=====================================================================================================================
CSE has come out with four decentralised newsletters apart from this fortnightly. Air pollution, water, governance, food safety and toxins are some of the subjects these newsletters focus on. Follow the link to subscribe: http://cseindia.my2.in/cseindia/?p=subscribe
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, just click
http://www.cseindia.org/content/please-enter-your-email-id-unsubscribe-cse-newsletter
If you have any questions or concerns about newsletter subscription, please contact Vikas Khanna at vikas@cseindia.org
===========================================
EDITORIAL: How to rewrite the Durban script
by Sunita Narain
===========================================
It's that time of the year again. Climate change talks are heating up, with the next conference of parties scheduled in Durban in end-November. There is heat but no light. The negotiations are stuck despite the clear signs of climate change: dangerous and potentially catastrophic extreme weather events.
Not much is expected in Durban, except the usual shadow-boxing. The European Union is leading the pack of climate champions. It wants the world to fast track negotiations for a single, legally binding treaty on cutting emissions. It does not say (loudly) that its real plan is to junk the Kyoto Protocol, which demands that industrialised countries cut emissions marginally, roughly 6 per cent below the 1990 levels by 2008-2012. The agreement in this Protocol is that rich countries, major historical and current emitters, go first, creating ecological and economic space for the developing world to grow. In time, the rest would follow. To facilitate actions in the developing and emerging world, technology and funds would be committed. All this done well would lead to a real deal. But it was not to be.
The US and its allies walked out of the Kyoto Protocol and now EU wants to dump it as well. It finds it difficult to meet its commitments to reduce emissions domestically.
At Durban, once again the stage is set for a dud act. EU will advocate climate action and its proposal for a single, legally binding treaty will get predictable responses. The US, the world's biggest climate renegade, which pulls all strings, will oppose the proposal. Its objective is to do little at home, but most importantly, not to be made responsible for taking action based on contribution to the problem. It wants the distinction between the past and present polluters to be removed. It wants no discussion on a legal instrument. The other big polluting guns—Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Canada—will stand behind the US.
In the Durban-script the roles for the rest of the actors have also been written. The Association of Small Island States (AOSIS), which is rightfully angry over inaction, will go with the EU-designed approach. It will see no choice but to back EU's proposal, even as it knows the stalemate will only prolong. On the other hand, China and India will side with the US and join the deniers. The rest, with small differences, will wait for the game to play out.
The host, South Africa, will want a deal in its city. What will this be? This country more than any other reflects the climate dilemma: to act or not to act? It has very high per capita emissions—almost equal to Europe's —but it is yet to share economic benefits and energy access with its majority poor. It is dependent on coal mining and exports, which it cannot jeopardise. But it wants to play the gracious host and somehow get its basic friends—the coalition of the emerging polluters, Brazil, India and China—to dine the last supper. Brazil may play along; it hosts the next big environment summit and would want to look good. But China and India will know too much is at stake. Once they accept a single instrument, they will have to take costly action, with no resources.
The die is not even cast. But the end game is known.
So what can change the outcome? I believe there is no other way but that the developing world regroups and takes leadership. Our world is the worst hit. We do not need to be preached about the pain of climate change. We know it. This leadership will require making tough demands. It will mean demanding drastic emission reduction targets for the rich world. But it is equally important that our world does not hide behind the intransigence of the US. Our world must explain that it is already doing much to reduce emission intensity of its growth—growth of renewables in China, reduction of deforestation in Brazil and energy efficiency in India. It can and will do more. However, the high costs of transition to low-carbon growth must be paid for. This leadership must be firm on principles of climate justice and effective action.
This approach, I know, will be scoffed at and derided as being impractical. It is partly because the non-governmental groups following climate negotiations mirror the divide in the world. One half, the followers of the US and its grouping, will say this stance will jeopardise their democratic government and bring back the dreaded Republicans—Neanderthals who do not believe climate change is real. The other group, followers of EU and its grouping, will say this is good in words, but will not lead to effective action. In Durban they will want a deal, at whatever costs.
But their hedging will hide the one truth that needs to be revealed: most of the low-hanging fruit—easy options to reduce emissions—have already been picked in the climate-threatened world. This fact cannot be more inconvenient coming at a time when the rich world is faced with a double-digit recession; the euro-zone is threatened; and people are worked up against austerity measures.
The Durban deal (like its predecessors Copenhagen and Cancun) will be bad for all if not based on accepting the hard truths of climate change. It is time we grew up.
Post your comments on this editorial online at http://downtoearth.org.in/content/how-rewrite-durban-script.
To follow the buzz prior to Durban, do see our events section below.
=======================
MORE FROM DOWN TO EARTH
=======================
- Cover Story: Desperate for gas
Gas is the cleanest of fossil fuels, but the lack of policy focus on it is dashing the hope of turning India into a largely gas-based economy and reducing carbon intensity
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/desperate-gas
- Special Report: Fever stalks UP
Already battling the Japanese encephalitis virus, Gorakhpur now has a new enemy: enterovirus
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/fever-stalks
- Special Report: Passive neighbour
India remains indifferent as China builds dams on upper reaches of Brahmaputra
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/passive-neighbour
- Special Report: Fall of the paragon
Century-old teak plantation business loses ground in India because of poor management and short-sighted policies
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/fall-paragon
- Features: The secret garden
Want to know about a lost variety of rice or a cure to asthma? Answers lie in the notebooks of schoolchildren and women of the Sundarbans and Madhyamgram
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/secret-garden
- 20 Years of DTE
Female literacy is crucial for checking population growth. But what does it take to keep girl children in school? Edited excerpts of a 1992 article by Anil Agarwal relating environment with female education.
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/forest-her
- News: Cabinet dilutes new mining bill
Alters provision on sharing of profits with affected people
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/cabinet-dilutes-new-mining-bill
- News: Reliance's unusual reward
It acquires CDM benefit for its business-as-usual power project in Jharkhand
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/reliance-s-unusual-reward
- News: Monsoon dates to be revised
Met department says monsoon activity has shifted in the past 60 years
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/monsoon-dates-be-revised
- Crosscurrents : Staying legal, staying reasonable
A law can be effective only if it's reasonable
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/staying-legal-staying-reasonable
- S&T: Carbon capture made easy
Salt, sugar and alcohol can help trap the greenhouse gas
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/carbon-capture-made-easy
- S&T: Silk route to healthy joints
Scientists grow cartilage tissue from silkworm protein
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/silk-route-healthy-joints
- Column: Patently Absurd
No climate for cleantech
http://downtoearth.org.in/category/section/patently-absurd
- From South Asia - Interview: Bhutan: Pursuit of happiness
In conversation with Karma Tshiteem, the secretary of the Gross National Happiness Commission, the novel name of Bhutan's Planning Commission
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/bhutan-pursuit-happiness
Down To Earth is now on Facebook and Twitter. Do follow us, share, comment, and discuss
and stay in constant touch with our reporters on www.facebook.com/down2earthindia and twitter@downtoearthindia.
==========================
Web DTE
==========================
Analysis: Rich nations can't dump toxic waste on poor nations
178 nations agree to enforce Basel Ban Amendment
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/rich-nations-can-t-dump-toxic-waste-poor-nations
Analysis: How cities can improve mobility
http://downtoearth.org.in/content/how-cities-can-improve-mobility
===========================
On India Environment Portal
===========================
- Sub-portal on South Asia and Sustainable Development: Provides in-depth information through news, reports, analysis, opinions and events, linked to other key institutions and websites etc. Please do contribute studies, reports, court orders etc, especially from our neighbouring countries in the South Asian region.
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/indepth/term/9790
- CSE Environment Photo Library
CSE's perspective and collection of photographs is now here to help illustrate your views on environment. Reach the online CSE Environment Photo Store at http://www.flickr.com/photos/csepictures
- Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/indiaenvportal and join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/indiaenvironmentportal/228015872817
- Get linked.
List and provide links of your organisation (or your library's website) on the portal as a 'free-to-use' online resource on environment.
For any assistance, please contact kiran@cseindia.org, kirandwi@gmail.com
=============================================
LEARNING WITH CSE
Courses offered by Anil Agarwal Green College
=============================================
Covering India: Where Journalism meets Environment - New Delhi, December 1 - 15, 2011
Date: December 1 to 15, 2011
This December, strap up and brace yourselves, learn to communicate the environment-development challenges in contemporary India.
Course details: http://www.cseindia.org/node/2607
Course Contact: Sharmila Sinha
(sharmila@cseindia.org / cseindiasharmila@gmail.com)
Ph: 91-11 29955124/6110/6399 (Ext: 270)
Fax: 91-11-29955879, AAGC Mobile: +91 9818482018
------------------------------------------------------
Orientation Programme on Managing Urban Air Quality: Focus on Clean Vehicle Technology and Fuels
Date: November 7 - 9, 2011
Course Modules:
- The urbanisation challenge
- Sources of air pollution
- Strategies to better urban air quality
- Technology roadmap for vehicles
- The inspection challenge
Course details: http://www.cseindia.org/node/2026
Course contact: Priyanka Chandola
Centre for Science and Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area
New Delhi – 110062
Tel: 011 - 29955124, 9810414938 (Mobile)
Fax: 011 - 29955879
Email: priyanka@cseindia.org
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A training programme on Social Impact Assessment
Date: November 9-11, 2011
To build capacity and create awareness among regulators, developers, NGOs and academicians in understanding the SIA process
Course Modules:
- Exposure to aspects of SIA, from theory to applications
- Integrated approach for addressing SIA and EIA process
- Knowledge on review of SIA reports and identification of strengths and weaknesses
- Post SIA monitoring
- Role of SIA in planning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Procedure for institutional strengthening and capacity building
- Experience sharing on national and international best practices adopted in SIA
Course details: http://www.cseindia.org/content/cse%E2%80%99s-short-term-training-programme-social-impact-assessment
Course contact: Sujit Kumar Singh
Industry & Environment Unit
Centre for Science and Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi-110062
Ph: 91-11-2995 5124 / 6110 (Ext. 281)
Mobile: 9899676027
Email: sujit@cseindia.org
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Challenge of the Balance
A course on Policies, Politics & Practices of Environmental Management in the Developing World
Date: December 19, 2011 - January 6, 2011
Course Modules:
- Environmental governance in India
- Poverty and the biomass economy
- Ecological 'rights' and state of natural resource management (land, water & forests)
- Conservation regimes & the human-wildlife conflict
- Urban growth challenges
- Sustainable industrialization and pollution control
- Global environmental governance (focus on climate change politics)
Course details: http://www.cseindia.org/node/1259
Course contact: Sharmila Sinha
Assistant Coordinator, Education & Training
Centre for Science and Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110062
Email: sharmila@cseindia.org; cseindiasharmila@gmail.com
Mobile: +91-9818482018
Office Tel: +91 (011) 29955124 +91 (011) 29955124 / 125 /
Fax: +91 (011) 29955879
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UPDATES FROM OUR PROGRAMME UNITS
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South Asian Media Briefing Workshop on Climate Change, 2011
Journalists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, interested in the climate debate, will congregate for this annual workshop in Delhi.
Date: November 16-17, 2011
For more details, visit http://cseindia.org/content/invitation-cses-south-asian-media-briefing-workshop-climate-change-2011
or get in touch with Papia Samajdar at papia@cseindia.org
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Second National Research Conference on Climate Change
CSE, in association with the Indian Institutes of Technology in Delhi and Madras, is organising the Second National Research Conference on Climate Change. The conference will be held in Delhi. We invite abstracts from faculty, students, and practitioners in the areas of climate science, impacts, adaptation and mitigation.
Date: November 5-6, 2011
For more details, visit http://cseindia.org/content/2nd-national-research-conference-climate-change
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Churning Still Water - National conference on lake conservation
CSE is organising a one-day national conference on lake conservation in the last week of January.The objective of the workshop is to set up a network of researchers, NGOs, legal advocates and regulators from India involved in the conservation of urban lakes.
We invite abstracts (not more than 250 words) from researchers, NGOs, faculties, law practicioners, in the areas relevant to lake conservation (and/or threats).
Abstract submission deadline: November 30, 2011.
Submissions should be sent to Sushmita at sushmita@cseindia.org
For further details, please visit http://www.cseindia.org/content/churning-still-water
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National Seminar on 'Decentralised Wastewater Management Practices: Options and Challenges'
The aim of the seminar is to act as a forum to discuss and share experiences regarding the existing and upcoming decentralised sewage treatment concepts and technologies. Abstracts are invited from water experts at national level to present case studies on sustainable wastewater management practices – onsite & offsite.
Date: February 2012
Abstract submission deadline: January 14, 2012
Please send you submissions to Deblina at deblina@cseindia.org
Fore more details, kindly visit http://www.cseindia.org/node/3276
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Jaipur Citizen's Survey: Transport and air quality challenges
CSE's Clean Air Campaign team is organising a citizens' survey in Jaipur to understand the challenges of air pollution and transportation that the city faces, and identify the way forward.
Would you like to volunteer your participation in the survey? Just fill out a form at http://cseindia.org/node/1190 and send it to us.
For details, please get in touch with Vivek at vivek@cseindia.org
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RainWater Harvesting Technical Support
Every Friday between 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, CSE provides detailed technical guidance to interested individuals, RWAs and institutions to implement rainwater harvesting. The technical assistance will be provided at CSE's office at 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area.
For details, see
http://www.cseindia.org/content/catch-rainwater-solve-your-water-problems
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Technical advice: Decentralised wastewater treatment systems
Every second and fourth Friday, meet our experts at CSE, 41, Tughlaqabad Institutional Area for guidance on
planning and designing these systems.
For details, contact Deblina at deblina@cseindia.org or call her on 9899596661.
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National Seminar on 'Decentralised Wastewater Management Practices: Options and Challenges'
The aim of the seminar is to act as a forum to discuss and share experiences regarding the existing and upcoming decentralised sewage treatment concepts and technologies. Abstracts are invited from water experts at national level to present case studies on sustainable wastewater management practices – onsite & offsite.
Date: February 2012
Abstract submission deadline: January 14, 2012
Please send you submissions to Deblina at deblina@cseindia.org
Fore more details, kindly visit http://www.cseindia.org/node/3276
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>From our stores
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Books from CSE that you might have missed:
Climate Change and Natural Resources -- A book of activities for environmental education
This is a collection of easy-to-understand-and-do activities for students and teachers, to be done in classrooms and at homes. Do take a look at http://www.gobartimes.org/?q=node/201, or write to Vikas Khanna at vikas@cseindia.org
Mobility Crisis - Agenda for Action 2011
Our publication on the way cities are being held hostage by rising vehicular traffic, and some thoughts on how to break the gridlock
(Pages 116) PB: Rs 290 / US $12
Challenge of the new ballance
Based on a CSE study of the six most energy/emissions-intensive sectors of the country to determine India's low carbon growth options, this book is a must have for all who are interested in development economics and the way ahead for the country. The six sectors -- power,steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizer and paper & pulp -- together account for an estimated 61.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions in India, excluding emissions from agriculture and waste. Their energy profile is no less intensive...
(Pages 156) PB: Rs.690 / US $39
To order please visit: www.csestore.cse.org.in
Coming soon: Excreta Matters
CSE's 7th State of the India's Environment report on water and wastewater, based on a comprehensive survey of 71 Indian cities.
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About this e-mail
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You are receiving this newsletter because you have asked to be included in our list, attended a CSE event or requested information.
CSE is an independent, public interest organization that was established in 1982 by Anil Agarwal, a pioneer of India's environmental movement. CSE's mandate is to research, communicate and promote sustainable development with equity, participation and democracy.
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