V K Jain, Professor and Dean of the School of Environmental Sciences (SES), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi spoke to Jayalakshmi Chittor and Rajat Banerjee, members of i4d team. He shares his perspectives on climate justice, mitigation and adaptation strategies.
What are the current research initiatives on climate change in the School of Environmental Sciences (SES), Jawaharlal Nehru University?
School of Environmental Sciences (SES), Jawaharlal Nehru University doesn’t have a separate area on climate change and research on the same. A L Ramanathan, Associate Professor, SES, Jawaharlal Nehru University, is doing some pioneering work on nutrient dynamics in costal ecosystems and is looking at the changes in water quality in the Sunderban Delta. He has put in a few years of research on the same topic and is measuring the impacts of climate change on these mangrove regions. Ramanathan is also leading a glacial research programme on Hindukush Himalayas to investigate the behaviour of glaciers under the present environmental conditions.
Is climate change a burning issue?
Yes, of course climate change is a burning issue. Climate change has far reaching implications and it circumscribes all major dimensions; scientific, social, humanitarian and climatological.
Though it is mainly an issue of the west yet in view of the present circumstances and conditions, it has implications for all. The entire debate on climate change and climate justice issues originated in the West, they have West has developed the requisite infrastructure to fight the issue.
What in climate change is the most important issue?
Economics of climate change is the most important issue.
Is energy and energy security key factors in climate change?
Energy is central to climate change. Energy consumption through fossil fuels (a predominant source of energy) determines the level of gas emissions vis-