“But then there should be a method to even madness! “
The problem:
It is imperative to understand that when we think about moving towards low carbon economy, actually we are discussing about, changing the way an economy works, the way society lives and sustains. Intellectuals often argue or rather state as a matter of fact, “Low carbon economy is of essence for the survival of human race (in future)”. High carbon obviously causes harms such as soil degradation, health issues etc., all of which impact GDP of our country directly or indirectly.
This section shall explain why is low carbon economy critical but also not so critical, a debate.
Examples stated above are immediate impacts, the one that are of very dear concern for our society.
Policies - Charting the coercive path:
But before we embark on the journey of changing the way our society works, we shall define as to who constitute the society. Defining the stakeholders in the society is critical to ensure that all the policies and modernization/growth will be inclusive; excluding none, not even often ignored lower strata.
India (191 billion pounds, tied with Japan) has been estimated to be third largest low carbon economy after US and China. India, unlike US and Japan, lacks technical knowhow to exploit the opportunity of low carbon economy.
This section will explain the path that govt. policies should take, a descriptive version of eagle eye view
Where do we start?
Set your house in order before asking others!
We shall explore innovative technologies or import existing technologies via public-private collaborations in areas such as fossil fuels (e.g. gasification of coal for higher efficiency), transportation, and improvement in electricity distribution. For example, we shall install electronic sensors to reduce energy losses in appliances as well as in electricity distribution.
To facilitate swift acceptance, alternative technologies should be made more affordable and sustainable. For example, if solar cells could be fabricated in India itself than solar energy could become affordable. Solar energy has been a failure in India thus far due to high cost, low returns i.e. inefficient market dynamics. Govt. has means, and if Govt. also has will power then such costs can come drastically down.
This section will provide suggestion on technology and sectors, where govt or pvt. Sector can make a mark.
Can we tame this behemoth, the major obstacle?
India with more than 1.2 billion population produces more carbon via human machinery than half of world taken together. Over last decade, India has seen a spurt in infrastructure development but with this pace we may never be able to catch up with our needs. Controlling the population will directly lower the carbon production, decrease the overall consumption and will reduce the pressure on infrastructure.
Last section will synthesize the thought shared above. I will also explain couple of tangential view points on how to achieve the target.
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