Advocating for a Green Environment Agenda Budget
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has urgently unveiled a comprehensive 100-day green agenda for the new central government. This ambitious 10-point plan addresses crucial environmental issues and aims to steer the country towards a sustainable future.
One of the key proposals in TERI’s agenda is the introduction of a green budget. TERI urges the government to allocate substantial resources towards eco-friendly initiatives, integrating environmental considerations into public spending and revenue-raising measures. Shailly Kedia, a senior fellow at TERI, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative at both the central and state levels. She cited examples of Bihar, Puducherry, and Assam, which have already made significant strides in this direction. “Delhi annually tables its own budget in its assembly. The budget for the financial year 2024-25 was Rs 76,000 crore. Imagine the impact if it initiates the process of green budgeting,” Kedia said.
Sector-Specific Goals for Climate Change Mitigation
TERI’s agenda also calls for setting sector-specific net-zero emission targets. This involves ensuring that industries and the public contribute significantly to the fight against climate change. The policy research organization believes that a collaborative approach involving all sectors and individuals is essential to achieving the country’s climate goals.
Policies for Conservation and Sustainable Management
Water scarcity is another critical issue addressed in TERI’s plan. The agenda emphasizes the need for robust policies to manage water resources sustainably. This includes measures for water conservation and the promotion of planting trees outside forests, recognizing their potential to create significant carbon sinks and contribute to overall greening efforts.
Standards for Plastic Neutrality and Promoting Alternatives
A significant part of TERI’s agenda is dedicated to tackling plastic pollution. The institute highlighted the absence of standards or quantified targets on plastic neutrality and urged the government to prioritize this issue. TERI Director Suneel Pandey stressed the importance of developing more alternatives to replace plastic. “Manufacturers and users of plastic packaging, along with research institutions, must focus on plastic technology. The Bureau of Indian Standards will play a crucial role in developing methods for measuring and monitoring plastic neutrality,” he said. Pandey also emphasized the responsibility of central and state pollution control boards to ensure regulatory compliance.
Designing Recyclable and Efficient Collection Processes
TERI’s recommendations focus on reducing the demand for plastic packaging and finding suitable alternatives. Pandey insisted on designing environment-friendly and efficiently recyclable packaging, facilitating efficient collection and recycling processes. “Replacing plastic should not be misinterpreted as a justification for generating more waste, which would mean increased recycling efforts,” he added.
Launching Trees Outside Forests Initiative
TERI also recommended launching a dedicated national plantation program called Trees Outside Forests. This initiative aims to create significant carbon sinks and enhance the country’s greening efforts, and it is expected to contribute substantially to the nation’s environmental health.
Comprehensive Approach to Public Spending
Kedia pointed out that integrating environmental policies into public spending is crucial. By introducing green budgeting at the state level, governments can ensure that eco-friendly initiatives receive the necessary funding and support. This approach addresses immediate environmental concerns and sets the stage for long-term sustainable development.
Research and Development for Sustainable Solutions
TERI’s agenda underscores the importance of promoting eco-friendly technologies. This includes supporting research and development in sustainable solutions that replace harmful practices and materials. The government can drive innovation and create a more sustainable industrial landscape by investing in green technologies.
Engaging the Public in Environmental Conservation
TERI’s 100-day agenda strongly emphasizes coTERI involvement. The institute firmly believes that engaging the public in environmental conservation efforts is not just beneficial but essential for the success of any green initiative. By fostering a culture of sustainability, communities can play a country’s sole role in achieving its environmental goals.
Strengthening Enforcement
Finally, TERI’s agenda highlights the need for robust regulatory compliance. Ensuring that environmental laws and standards are effectively enforced is crucial for the success of any green initiative. This requires collaboration between government agencies and continuous oversight to prevent violations and proTERI’s sustainable practices.
TERI’s 100-day environment agenda for the new government is a comprehensive and all-encompassing plan to address critical environmental issues and steer the country towards a sustainable future. By advocating for a green budget, setting net-zero emission targets, addressing water scarcity, tackling plastic pollution, and promoting eco-friendly technologies, TERI’s proposals provide a robust framework for institute development. The institute’s emphasis on community involvement and regulatory compliance further strengthens the potential for successfully implementing these initiatives.
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