AI’s rapid expansion imposes measurable ecological costs — carbon emissions, water consumption, and e-waste — that corporate net-zero pledges systematically obscure. This paper presents a Net Impact Assessment framework to evaluate whether AI’s environmental benefits are substantive or merely performative.
Rebeka Shaw, Aayushi Rai, Niyati Kotiyal, Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Kushi N Jain Introduction India is confronting a growing climate problem. Anthropogenic climate change is responsible for 37% of heat-related deaths worldwide, and the nation has routinely broken heat records. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), these deaths increased by 34% between 2013 and 2022 in contrast to the decade before. At the centre of this dilemma lies Delhi, a heavily crowded city with over 33 million inhabitants that is characterised by severe climate variability, chronic air pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. The majority of this exacerbated situation is concentrated in Delhi’s informal settlements, which are home to nearly 10 million people, in a city that is itself ranked among the most polluted in the world by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Women in these informal settlements are vulnerable on several levels in this situation. They are disproportionately impacted by climate-induced shocks like heatwaves, droughts, and floods since they are the major carers and managers of the household care sector. However, despite playing a crucial role in preserving the livelihoods of households and communities, they are often excluded from official climate decision-making processes. Systemic hurdles including restricted access to technology, education, financing, and land further exacerbate this marginalisation. Women and girls, who are more likely to experience violence, exploitation, and instability, makeup 80% of those displaced by climate disasters worldwide. However, despite these challenges, women are more than just helpless victims. Their leadership abilities, resilience, and local knowledge are crucial to adaptation initiatives. The important but frequently unseen roles that women play in enhancing climate resilience in Delhi’s informal settlements are highlighted in this article. Along with providing a detailed study of both grassroots action and structural gaps, it also looks at the larger policy frameworks that support or undermine their activities. Policy Landscape: Multilevel Governance for Gender-Inclusive Climate Action To understand women’s roles in climate resilience, we must first examine the multilevel policy frameworks that shape their participation. While the global and national policies reflect a growing recognition of gender equity in climate action, the extent to which these policies translate into effective, local implementation remains varied. Globally, the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- especially Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities), and Goal 13 (Climate Action), underscore the importance of inclusive and gender-responsive urban planning. UNFCCC’s Gender Action Plan and CEDAW’s General Recommendation No. 37 further emphasize women’s leadership in disaster risk reduction and climate governance. Mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund created at COP27 provide financial support to vulnerable communities, including urban slum dwellers. At the national level, India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) integrates gender considerations across key missions. Locally, the Delhi State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) encourages women-led adaptation strategies in areas like water conservation, waste management, and disaster preparedness. The Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana (2024) adds another layer by providing institutional and financial support to strengthen women’s climate resilience and livelihood security. These frameworks lay the foundation for gender-inclusive climate action. However, to gauge their real impact, we must shift our focus to the urban peripheries- Delhi’s informal settlements, where the struggle for survival and resilience plays out most vividly. Situating the Crisis: Delhi’s Informal Settlements as Climate Hotspot Delhi’s informal settlements are situated at the nexus of urban vulnerability and environmental stress. These neighbourhoods experience disproportionately higher impacts from extreme heat, flooding, and pollution. The city recently recorded temperatures as high as 52.9℃ in May 2024, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect and poor housing infrastructure, particularly in slum areas lacking proper ventilation and insulation. The projected increase in Delhi’s average annual temperatures by 1–4℃ by 2050 translates into a 4% rise in mortality for every degree above 29℃. Additionally, monsoon variability and heavy rainfall lead to flooding and water contamination, especially in areas close to the Yamuna River. These events result in disease outbreaks, loss of livelihoods, and increased health risks, further destabilizing vulnerable communities, particularly women, who already shoulder the burdens of domestic care and resource provisioning. These lived experiences underscore the urgency of centring women in climate adaptation efforts. Fortunately, several grassroots initiatives have emerged that do just that. MAP 1: Location of the Area of Study Source: Compiled by the Authors Women in Action: Grassroots Leadership and Community Resilience In response to the mounting climate challenges faced by women in these vulnerable communities, organizations like the Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) have played a critical role in empowering them to lead climate adaptation initiatives. MHT’s work spans climate education, leadership training, and infrastructural interventions tailored to the everyday realities of women in informal settlements. 1. Climate Education: Using tools like games and visual media, MHT demystifies climate science for women, focusing on everyday impacts- such as water shortages, disease, and heat waves. 2. Clean Energy and Cool Roofs: Through partnerships with electricity companies, MHT facilitates the installation of solar panels and promotes cool roofs- affordable solutions that significantly reduce indoor heat and energy bills. 3. Air Pollution Advocacy: In collaboration with Help Delhi Breathe (HDB), MHT has engaged female construction workers in resettlement colonies like Bakkarwala and Sawda Ghevra to raise awareness about air pollution. These women are not only learning about the hazards but actively mobilizing for clean air and influencing local policy. Complementing the efforts of organizations like MHT, individual leaders have also emerged from within communities to drive change. One such example is Shipra Narula, a former youth volunteer who began her journey with Swechha’s Yamuna cleanup campaign during her undergraduate years. Moved by the sight of the heavily polluted river, she transitioned from participant to leader, gradually expanding her work into city-wide afforestation projects such as Monsoon Wooding, which has planted thousands of native trees across Delhi-NCR. Shipra’s climate leadership is rooted not in formal authority but in lived experience and community action. She has worked closely with slum communities to improve access to clean water and sanitation, while also mentoring young people, especially girls, through
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a crucial aspect of business strategy, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Firms in this industry are increasingly adopting CSR initiatives to enhance their reputation, attract investors, and comply with regulatory requirements. This paper examines the relationship between CSR and financial performance in renewable energy firms, analyzing whether firms that invest more in CSR initiatives experience better financial outcomes.
Impact of glacial retreat in Himalayas on Hydrology: A Comprehensive Review Often referred to as the “Third Pole,” the Himalaya and Hindu Kush, are the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar regions. Himalayan glaciers are critical of freshwater in Asia, feeding major river systems like the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, etc. Supporting about 1.9 to 2 billion people. With climate change and global climate change, growing rate of glacial retreat is becoming a major issue which is leads to major issues related to water and food security, river discharge change, underground water recharge, the risk of floods and droughts across the region (Bolch et al., 2012; Kulkarni et al., 2021). This literature review examines the hydrological impacts of Himalayan glacier retreat and explores its subsequent socio-economic implications. Glacier Retreat in the Himalayas Rising global temperatures has accelerated Himalayan glaciers retreat over the past few decades. According to studies up to 67% of Himalayan glaciers has been lost in last decade itself, and projections predict more paid decline with current temperature rise (King et al., 2021). Some recorded examples are Gangotri Glacier has been retreat at an average rate of 18.5 meters per year from 1963 to 2006 (Ramanathan, 2011) and Samudra Tapu Glacier receded by 862 meters during the same period (Kulkarni et al., 2007). The annual rate of glacial shrinkage in the Indian Himalayan region ranges from 0.2–0.7% for 11 river basins between 1960–2004, with a mean extent of 0.32–1.4 km² (Kulkarni et al., 2011; Bolch et al., 2012). The Himalayan glaciers are retreating at rates ranging from 10 to 60 meters per year, with many small glaciers already disappearing (Dasgupta & Sen, 2020). Satellite imagery shows the Zemu Glacier in Sikkim has significantly receded since 1935 (Singh, 2016). This trend is attributed to rising temperatures, reduced snowfall, and black carbon deposition that decreases the reflective capacity of ice, accelerating melt (Lee et al., 2021). The rate of glacier retreat is influenced by various factors , including rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and the deposition of black carbon, which reduces the albedo effect and accelerates melting. The rate of glacier retreat is not uniform across the Himalayas; it varies due to regional climatic conditions, glacier size, and topographical features. Research shows that smaller glaciers are retreating faster compared to larger ones due to their lower ice mass and surface area (Bolch et al., 2012). Hydrological Impacts 1. Variation in River Runoff Glacier melts significantly impact on the rivers water discharge originating from the Himalayas. Major rivers like Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra etc are glacier-fed water, especially during dry seasons. Glacier retreat initially cause increase in river discharge due to accelerated melting, which raises the risk of floods and soil erosion (Immerzeel et al., 2010). But, with continued glacial retreat, there is reduction in river flow due to decreased discharge which leads to water availability for agriculture, drinking, and industrial use (Prakash, 2020). Studies predict that the upper catchments of these rivers will experience an initial increase in streamflow due to accelerated melting, followed by a sharp decline as glacial storage is exhausted (Singh et al., 2013). For instance, the Indus Basin, heavily reliant on glacial melt, may see its water availability significantly impacted by mid-century (Lutz et al., 2014). Seasonal variations in runoff patterns are also becoming more pronounced. The shift from glacial to rainfall-dominated river systems can result in more erratic flow regimes, increasing the frequency of both floods and droughts. This has significant implications for water resource management, particularly in regions that depend on consistent river flows for irrigation and hydropower (Immerzeel et al., 2010). 2. Variability in Seasonal Flow Observed shift in period of peak flow from glacier to earlier period of the year , which was originally observed during summer months (Rasul & Molden, 2019). This has lead to decreased water availability during critical agricultural periods, affecting crop irrigation and also affects hydropower generation, during summers which is period of high energy demand (Pathak et al., 2017). This shift in seasonal flow patterns can lead to mismatches between water supply and agricultural demand. For example, earlier peak flows may coincide with periods when water demand for irrigation is low, while reduced flows during the actual growing season can negatively impact crop yields. Moreover, changes in flow timing affect aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the life cycles of fish and other aquatic organisms dependent on specific flow conditions (Pathak et al., 2017). 3. Groundwater Recharge Initial increase in river runoff assist in groundwater recharge especially during dry months , (Kulkarni et al., 2007). But as glaciers retreat, there is reduction in meltwater flow which leads to declining groundwater levels (Rasul & Molden, 2019). When this situation persists for long period it far reaching impacts. Groundwater systems are particularly vulnerable to changes in glacial meltwater input. In many Himalayan regions, groundwater serves as a critical buffer against seasonal water shortages. The decline in recharge rates due to reduced meltwater can lead to the over-extraction of groundwater resources, exacerbating water scarcity issues. Additionally, changes in groundwater recharge can affect water quality, as lower recharge rates reduce the dilution of pollutants (Rasul & Molden, 2019). 4. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) Glacial lakes which are formed due loose moraine or ice left by glacier retreat that are highly vulnerable to sudden breaches, causing catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) (Mool et al., 2001). GLOFs can lead to widespread flooding, causing the destruction on large scale. More than 32 GLOF events have been recorded in the Himalayas, with increasing frequency in recent years. (Dasgupta & Sen, 2020) 5.Floods and Droughts During period of initial glacier retreat due to high river discharge, risk of seasonal flooding increases particularly during monsoons (Immerzeel et al., 2010). But as glaciers continue to shrink, the long-term reduction in meltwater will lead to water scarcity and an increased risk of drought, particularly affecting agriculture and drinking water supplies (Prakash, 2020). 5. Sediment Transport and River Morphology Glacier retreat also changes the sediment transport dynamics. Initially, increased meltwater
The article analyzes how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies aid in promoting environmental sustainability. It focuses on the initiatives incorporated by various businesses and corporations to promote sustainable development as per the SDGs of the UN.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue but a justice issue, highlighting deep disparities between nations. Industrialized Western countries, which fueled their economic growth with fossil fuels, are primarily responsible for historical greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, the Global South, despite contributing the least, faces the harshest consequences—rising sea levels, extreme droughts, and devastating natural disasters. Developing nations lack the financial and infrastructural capacity to combat climate change, intensifying calls for climate justice. While agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement exist, there remains a gap between developed countries’ promises and actual climate aid. Without substantial global action, climate change will continue to reinforce historical inequalities and marginalization.
Significant population migrations in the Global South in rural areas are fuelled by climate change, with severe impacts on gender dynamics and socio-economic structures. The article focuses on India and similarly situated countries, delving into how changing climate patterns coerce agricultural communities to relocate, affecting women and marginalized groups. These migrations have several consequences. They transform rural economies, expose critical gaps in existing policies, and challenge traditional systems of social interactions. The research highlights the need for gender-inclusive policies, community-driven solutions, and comprehensive solutions that simultaneously address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Introduction Geoengineering, or climate engineering, refers to the deliberate and large-scale alteration of the Earth’s natural landscape in an effort to counter climate change. It includes the removal of carbon dioxide and solar radiation management (SRM), which reduces greenhouse gases and reflects sunlight to cool the planet. Although geoengineering might be a viable solution to global warming problems, it raises severe moral questions, especially for the Global South. Due to their lack of finances and infrastructure, the Global South, which consists of developing countries, is more prone to the effects of climate change. As for geoengineering technologies, the implementation of these technologies could worsen inequality by changing the overall weather patterns of a region and its agricultural productivity. For example, SRM might change the amount of rainfall a region receives, and this might adversely impact agriculture in the weaker regions. The moral issues do not stop there. There are questions about who has the authority to govern this decision. The Global South doesn’t have a real voice on this matter, but it will surely feel the repercussions of SRM policies. Thus, these people are asking for the matter to be discussed globally so that the outcome is suitable for all. Technological Interventions and Their Implications Geoengineering interventions have the capacity to alleviate some of the most troubling repercussions concerning global warming. These systematic and large-scale attempts make use of technology to intervene in the climate. Such intervention is classified into a multitude of categories, and each of these categories has unique complications for the Global South. Geoengineering Interventions Types Solar Radiation Modification (SRM): This approach attempts to reflect sunlight back into space to subsequently cool the Earth. Techniques encompass stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) as well as marine cloud brightening (MCB). As noted in prior citations, SRM appears to have the ability to reduce global temperatures but places severe environmental threats because of its multi-faceted effects at various latitudes and seasons (Wikipedia, n.d.). Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR): This approach aims to address the removal of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through methods such as fossil fuel power plants with carbon capture and storage, soil carbon sequestration, and other methods such as afforestation/reforestation and direct air capture. (Wikipedia, n.d.) While CDR is vital towards longitudinal moderation of climate change, its affordability and scalability are major issues. Cloud Seeding: This technology entails the use of particular chemicals into the clouds to bolster precipitation. Often this is highly effective in areas suffering from drought (Jacobo, Manzo & Zee, 2023). While cloud seeding is helpful in increasing snowpack and eliminating droughts, there is a… Repercussions for the Global South The Global South will be greatly impacted by the advances regarding geoengineering, both in a good way and a bad way: Positive Implications: Alleviation: Geoengineering interventions can offer immediate alleviation to developing nations suffering from devastating weather conditions like droughts and heat waves(Jacobo, Manzo, & Zee, 2023). Economic Opportunity: Economic infrastructure as well as agricultural productivity in vulnerable regions can be protected, which, in turn, saves us from the disasters caused by climate change due to geoengineering. Negative Implications: Sustainability Issues: Large-scale geoengineering can have drastic discontinuation of precipitation conditions and depletion of the ozone layer, which can have greatly impaired environmental ramifications (Wikipedia, n.d.). Equity and Justice: Global South can unfairly bear the consequences for geoengineering without having accurate insight in the decision-making forums and not grabbing the opportunities that is provided for them. Such processes are exclusionary and unjust and undemocratic at the same time. (CIEL, 2024). Technological Reluctance: Reliance on geoengineering alone can distract us from taking the much needed actions of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for long term sustainability (CIEL, 2024). Ethical Considerations The ethical dilemmas related to geoengineering in the Global South are complex and require thorough understanding. Inclusivity and Governance: There is less reason to believe that geoengineering governance is effective in supervising the Global South without a stronger commitment to engage the affected peoples (Kakungulu, 2024)2. Risk Assessment: There has to be geoengineering counterpart initiatives that focus on the reduction of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) emissions, which is an aid to mitigate impacts of climate change (AMS, 2024). Alternatives to Geoengineering: Climate engineering is politically and practically difficult and very risky even when there are purported rules that govern its usage. As such, focus must remain on sustainable development as the primary method of attaining these goals of mitigating emissions (CIEL, 2024). To summarize, geoengineering posits exciting possibilities for alleviating climate issues in the short run. However, its consequences on the Global South are nuanced and need a lot of attention. Global South requires guided action which enables them to engage with the world on their own terms. Hence, defining basic ethical principles and participatory means of decision making framework is important where these aims of climate change mitigation are incorporated. Power Asymmetries in Climate Governance The integration of climate geoengineering into climate governance raises significant concerns regarding power asymmetries that shape both the discourses and potential outcomes of these technologies. Geoengineering, especially techniques like stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), has been promoted as a potential solution to global warming. However, the assumptions embedded in climate modelling practices, particularly regarding justice, often obscure the deep inequalities that underlie the deployment of such technologies (Reynolds, 2019). The dominant models of climate geoengineering tend to focus on distributional justice, emphasising the aggregate benefits and harms of inventions, typically in terms of global temperature reduction or risk mitigation. This narrow focus ignores critical issues of procedural justice, recognition justice, and corrective justice, thus failing to address how these technologies disproportionately affect marginalised populations. In particular, these geoengineering proposals often overlook the structural inequalities in global political and economic systems, wherein poorer nations in the global South, who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, bear the brunt of environmental and social injustices, Meanwhile, wealthier nations in the global North, which have historically contributed to most greenhouse gas emissions, may continue to benefit from solutions like SAI, while delaying necessary transitions
Abstract
Climate change poses significant risks to economies worldwide, affecting human resources, health systems, and overall economic stability. Economic instruments play a crucial role in mitigating climate change while fostering sustainable growth. This paper examines key economic tools such as carbon pricing (taxes vs. cap-and-trade), green subsidies, and climate finance, analyzing their effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy adoption. Case studies, including Sweden’s carbon tax, the EU Emissions Trading System, and India’s emerging carbon market, illustrate the real-world impact of these instruments. Additionally, the paper explores the broader economic implications of climate policies on growth, investment, employment, and global trade. While these policies impose short-term costs, they drive long-term economic stability, job creation, and technological innovation. The study highlights the need for periodic evaluation and global cooperation to maximize the effectiveness of economic instruments in achieving a low-carbon, sustainable future.
Keywords: Climate Change, Economic Instruments, Carbon Pricing, Cap-and-Trade, Green Subsidies, Climate Finance, Renewable Energy, Emissions Trading, Sustainable Growth, Global Cooperation
This article examines the complex relationship between climate change and global security, highlighting how environmental degradation intensifies resource scarcity, social inequalities, and geopolitical tensions. It presents key case studies, such as the Syrian Civil War, the shrinking Lake Chad Basin, and rising sea levels affecting Pacific Island nations, demonstrating how climate impacts can drive conflicts. The article also offers policy recommendations, including investments in climate resilience, fostering international cooperation, addressing climate migration, and incorporating climate risks into security planning. It emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and global instability.