A new innovation in circuit breakers used in high tension power grids claims to cut down the Global Warming Potential against the conventional SF6-based switchgears. Akilur Rehman explains how the EconiQ™ switchgear, employing the environment-friendly C4-FN gas, promises to reduce carbon foot-print while offering the same reliability, performance, scalability, and compactness of the device.

Early warning systems can be life saviour in the event of extreme disasters. With many nations now recognizing the importance of EWS for prevention and mitigation, the technology remains constrained to developed nations due to multiple factors. In this article, Alice Hill and Colin McCormick report how AI is bringing about a shift in the paradigm of warning systems and bat for equally accessible EWS for developing nations and is a step in the right direction.

Marine litter and climate change are closely connected as plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and stronger storms worsen littering. A pilot project in Goa, funded by the EU and led by TERI, demonstrates a circular economy approach by involving local fishermen in the collection and upcycling of discarded fishing nets. Dr Ashwini Panandiker details how the initiative is offering an innovative solution to reduce marine litter while also providing economic opportunities.

The Unique Household Numbering System in Bengaluru enhances waste management by tracking segregated waste from individual households and improving compliance with segregation guidelines. Successfully implemented in the Dasarahalli zone, the system has led to an increase in segregation levels, optimizing recycling and composting processes, while also fostering accountability and transparency in waste management, Chandreyee Mitra, Mohammed Idris and Jai Kumar Gaurav write.

Rising global population, shrinking arable land area pose a major challenge of feeding people. This is further marred by rapidly declining soil quality and reduced crop production. In this article, Dr Mandira Kochar and Dr Vatsala Koul share a disruptive strategy of inclusion of biological agri-inputs for enhanced crop productivity and soil enrichment in the Indian context while simultaneously reducing impacts on the environment.

In this article, Paul C Jeyaseelan, Dr K Nanthakumar, Shishram Chahar, Dr Veeranna Channashettar and Dr Banwari Lal describe how Xanthan gum, a polymer used in the oil well drilling process is revolutionizing it. How despite being widely used in the industry, there is no production of Xanthan gum in India, and how lab-developed bio-based polymer can prove to be a game changer and fill the gap.

TERI and Power Roll’s collaboration in introducing flexible solar PV technology to rural India has shown significant promise through pilot projects in Uttarakhand. Kapil Muddineni, N S Prasad, Paul Laidler, Dr Mini Govindan and Rashmi Murali reflect on how these flexible modules, which are lightweight, cost-effective, and versatile, have been implemented in various rural applications, including agriculture, education, and animal husbandry.

Repurposing used EV batteries is crucial towards sustainability and promoting battery circularity. This article by Kapil Muddineni and Neha Jain highlights the outcomes of work done under JSW MG Motor’s initiative ‘Project REVIVE’ on adopting repurposed batteries for stationary applications.

This article discusses the environmental challenges posed by the dyeing industry, particularly the harmful effects of synthetic dyes. Mehak Kaur and Dr Mayurika Goel pen down the rise of eco-labels as a tool for promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry, with a focus on TERI’s pioneering work in developing microbial dyes.

The environmental benefits of using solar power, coupled with training in system maintenance and financial management, have created a sustainable model that has positively impacted the local community. Palak Khanna, Prashanta Swain and Dr Amit Kumar Thakur report how an initiative by CCL and TERI with an aim to demonstrate the power of renewable energy is transforming livelihoods and empowering women in rural India.

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally, posing critical environmental challenges. Improper disposal methods such as landfilling or inefficient recycling lead to toxic emissions, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. This piece of writing authored by Dr Abhinav Mathur and Major General K Narayanan explicates how this waste, often considered a liability, could be transformed into an asset by adopting simple yet far-reaching sustainable solutions.

This piece of writing by Arun Awasthy well illustrates that technology and infrastructure alone cannot address climate challenges; people must be at the center of every solution, every partnership. Grassroots efforts have the power to transform vulnerabilities into strengths, building resilience while addressing local needs. These initiatives not only protect against climate impacts but also create livelihoods, turning environmental challenges into opportunities for economic empowerment.

Article by Dr Balakrishna Pisupati makes us acquainted with the urgency of developing cooling solutions to stand against the global heat. This requirement will become more pronounced in urban areas as population of this segment is highly likely to increase by a significant margin in the near future.  The author has emphasized, to get this done, enhancing capacity among urban planners, developers, and disaster management authorities is essential.

Dr Henning Wuester via this article makes us comprehend some of the aspects pertinent to effective climate action. Climate action that is adequate to meet global climate objectives requires fundamental changes across society. For these changes to be successful and sustained, stakeholders from all sectors must be engaged in the process. Effective engagement needs to be underpinned by transparency and data. Transparency is essential in informing decisions, building trust, and ensuring that actions taken achieve intended results.

In this piece, Robert Boyd ideates on decarbonization of the aviation sector. Sustainable aviation fuel is the foremost step in this endeavour and forms the topic of discussion. The author establishes that decarbonizing the aviation sector requires a comprehensive approach consisting of multiple measures, including fleet replacement, advanced technology, sustainable fuels, operational improvements, and market-based measures.

This opinion piece by Srivatsan Iyer details both status and scope of India’s hopeful journey towards carbon neutrality. However, carbon neutrality is not a journey that India will make alone. Partnerships—between the Government of India, private enterprises, financial institutions, and international organizations—are the answer to achieving this balance of robust economic growth while ensuring the success of the ambitious climate. The author makes us understand the potential partnerships and collaborative action holds to fill the technology and resource gaps targets. Collaboration is the key. Collaboration of governments, industries, academia, and communities must be fostered in order to build a resilient and sustainable future.