Vishnu Vardhaan

#India's climate action plans are falling short! While we've made ambitious targets to reduce emissions and increase #Forest cover, actual progress is spoiled by policies favoring business interests over genuine #Environmental protection. It's time for a unified, robust climate law that enforces true #Sustainability and resilience. MoEF&CC Read more : https://lnkd.in/gmKrMaDR

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In today’s rapidly evolving carbon market, mastering effective strategies for investing in carbon credits, emissions calculations, and market management is crucial. This guide provides essential insights to help stakeholders manage their carbon footprint and contribute to global climate goals. Explore more here: https://lnkd.in/guq8wYrj #CarbonMarkets #CarbonCredits #EmissionsReduction #SustainableInvestment #ClimateAction #CarbonAccounting #ComplianceMarket #VoluntaryMarket #GlobalPolicies #Sustainability #NetZero #EnergyEfficiency

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🌍📊 India's Voluntary Carbon Market: A Double-Edged Sword? 📊🌍 India's latest Economic Survey is stirring the pot on our Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), and it's serving up some spicy questions! 🌶️ The Double-Accounting Dilemma: Double-accounting in carbon markets is like paying twice for the same meal. In our VCM, the fear is that emission reductions might be counted more than once—by the company that reduces emissions and by the country itself. This not only undermines the credibility of the carbon credits but also poses a serious risk to global climate goals. 🎯 Costly Emission Reduction Activities: Reducing emissions isn't cheap. The survey highlights concerns about the high costs associated with emission reduction projects in India. Whether it's investing in renewable energy or implementing energy-efficient technologies, the financial burden can be heavy. 💸 But hey, who said saving the planet was going to be a bargain? Transparency and Accountability: To ensure that our carbon credits are worth their weight in gold (or, more accurately, in carbon), transparency and robust accounting mechanisms are crucial. It's like having a strict bouncer at a club—only legitimate credits get in! 🕴️ Market Potential vs. Practical Challenges: The VCM has immense potential. It offers a platform for businesses to offset their carbon footprints and contribute to climate action. However, the practical challenges of double-counting and high costs need to be addressed to unlock this potential fully. It's like having a high-performance sports car but being stuck in traffic! 🏎️🚦 As a sustainability consultant, I see the VCM as a powerful tool in our climate toolkit. But we need to tighten the screws and ensure it functions smoothly. It's about creating a market that's not just voluntary in name but also voluntary in spirit—transparent, accountable, and effective. 🌱 Let's embrace the questions raised by the Economic Survey as an opportunity to refine our approach, bolster our systems, and drive meaningful climate action. After all, the path to sustainability is paved with constant learning and improvement. #CarbonMarket #Sustainability #ClimateAction #EconomicSurvey #GreenEconomy #IndiaFightsClimateChange 🌍💼💚 ---

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🌍 Empowering Climate Action through the Green Climate Fund (GCF)! 🌍 The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Toolkit by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is now available, providing a comprehensive guide on mobilizing finance for impactful climate initiatives across India. 🌱💧 🌿 Why This Matters: With climate change posing severe challenges, particularly for vulnerable communities, accessing financial resources is crucial for driving mitigation and adaptation projects. The GCF Toolkit equips stakeholders—from state bodies to private sector players—with the knowledge and resources needed to harness climate finance for sustainable solutions. 📈 Key Features of the Toolkit: ✅ Practical steps to develop project proposals and navigate the GCF application process. ✅ Insights into priority areas like renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and water management. ✅ Tools and templates for building transformative projects that align with India's climate action goals. 💼 Who Should Use This Toolkit? Whether you are a state government official, a non-profit leader, a business innovator, or an academic researcher, this toolkit is your roadmap to accessing critical funding and advancing India’s climate agenda! 🌱 Ready to create climate impact? 🌍 Dive into the toolkit and start transforming climate ambition into actionable projects. #GreenClimateFund #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #MoEFCC #ClimateFinance #IndiaClimateGoals #GCFProjects #ClimateInnovation #PublicPrivatePartnerships #EcoSolutions #GreenEnergy #ResilientFutures #ActOnClimate 🌏

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🌿 India's Budget 2024-25: A Green and Sustainable Future 🌿 India's Budget 2024-25 showcases a firm commitment to environmental sustainability and green growth. Here are some key highlights: 1. Natural Farming: 1 crore farmers will transition to natural farming, supported by certification and branding. 2. Climate-Resilient Crops: 109 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 crops will be introduced. 3. Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture: Enhancing digital connectivity for farmers, including a crop survey in 400 districts. 4. Energy Initiatives: Support for shifting micro and small industries to cleaner energy, investment in renewable energy, and the development of Bharat Small Reactors. 5. Water Management: Promoting water supply, sewage treatment, and solid waste management projects for 100 large cities. 6. Urban Development: Transit-oriented development plans for 14 large cities and initiatives to lower stamp duties for women homebuyers. 7. Green Financing: Establishment of a taxonomy for climate finance to attract capital for climate adaptation and mitigation investments. India's budget is paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future, aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship. Let's work together to build a greener tomorrow! 🌏 #SustainableIndia #GreenBudget #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #NaturalFarming #DigitalAgriculture #UrbanDevelopment #GreenFinance #IndiaBudget2024

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The oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) is a major driver of PM associated health effects. In India, the emission sources defining PM-OP, and their local/regional nature, are yet to be established. Understanding the relative contributions of these sources to PM-OP and whether they are local or regional in nature is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the health effects associated with PM exposure in India. We along with our team team, in collaboration with national and international collaborator, addressed this gap by determining the geographical origin, sources of PM, and its OP at five Indo Gangetic Plain sites inside and outside Delhi. The study is published in Nature Communications, in its edition on 25th April 2024. The study can be accessed at https://lnkd.in/gsS5D8pi Their findings revealed that although uniformly high PM concentrations are recorded across the entire region, local emission sources and formation processes dominate PM pollution. Specifically, ammonium chloride, and organic aerosols (OA) from traffic exhaust, residential heating, and oxidation of unsaturated vapors from fossil fuels are the dominant PM sources inside Delhi. Ammonium sulfate and nitrate, and secondary OA from biomass burning vapors, are produced outside Delhi. Nevertheless, PM-OP is overwhelmingly driven by OA from incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, including traffic. Thus, these findings suggest that addressing local inefficient combustion processes can effectively mitigate PM health exposure in northern India. Shilpa Shirodkar Dr. Trailokya Saud Deepika Bhattu Andre Prevot Neeraj Rastogi Himadri Bhowmik #humanhealth #airquality #airpollution #environment #India #Indogangeticplains #sustainability

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💧Microplastics have become an increasingly concerning contaminant in #freshwater sources, particularly in groundwater around solid waste landfills. 🔬A recent study conducted in South #India has revealed that #groundwater samples from the two cities municipal dumpsites contain #microplastics in concentrations ranging from 2 to 80 items per liter. 📊The study found that the most common types of microplastics were nylon (70%), followed by pellets (18%), foam (6%), and smaller amounts of fragments, fibers, PVC, and polyethylene. 🧪The abundance of microplastics in groundwater, particularly those less than 500 μm in size, poses significant risks to both human #health and the environment. 🚨With 90% of these microplastics originating from buried plastics and waste fragmentation, the study highlights the urgent need for action to address this contamination. Link: https://lnkd.in/eXdSgJKx SATOORNIK

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The Bureau of Energy Efficiency and the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India (MOEFCC) have unveiled the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (#CCTS) Compliance Mechanism Guideline. The report establishes a framework for the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023. The compliance mechanism includes the Central Government determining ‘obligated entities’ based on recommendations from the National Steering Committee for the Indian Carbon Market. It further outlines critical steps and requirements for obligated entities to monitor, report, and effectively reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 📌 GHG Emission Intensity Trajectory and Targets: - Targets are based on sector-specific reduction trajectories and historical data. - The technical committee calculates baseline GHG emission intensity and sets targets for each cycle, covering direct and indirect energy-related emissions. - Entities receive annual targets over a three-year trajectory period and must meet these targets each year. 📌 Verification and Assessment of Performance: - Obligated entities must appoint accredited carbon verification agencies to verify GHG emissions reports and intensity targets. - Verification includes assessing the correctness of data, calculation methods, and compliance with emission intensity targets. - Performance Assessment to be submitted within three months of the compliance cycle. 📌 Monitoring and Reporting Process: - Obligated entities must develop a monitoring plan for GHG emissions and submit it to the bureau within three months from the commencement of the first trajectory period. - Annual updates to the monitoring plan are required. - The monitoring plan should include details of activities, emission sources, monitoring methodologies, data flow procedures, and responsibilities assigned for monitoring and reporting emissions. 📌 Issuance and Surrender of Carbon Credit Certificates: - Entities exceeding their emission reduction targets receive Carbon Credit Certificates (CCC). - Entities failing to meet targets must surrender CCCs or purchase additional CCCs to comply. - Central Government approval is required before issuance of CCC. 📌 Trading and Banking of Carbon Credit Certificates: - CCCs can be traded on the trading platform, and entities may bank CCCs for future use. - CCC can be traded on approved Power Exchanges. Unused CCC can be banked for future use or sold in the Indian Carbon Market. 📌 Compliance Obligations: - Obligated entities must comply with annual GHG emission intensity targets and report their emissions accurately. - Submit compliance assessment reports within two weeks after the trading session and report compliance status within nine months of the compliance cycle. Read the report to learn more about the comprehensive framework, regulatory guidelines, and best practices cited.

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Indian Carbon Market - Status Report Date: 9th December 2024 Key takeaways - 1.) Amendments to the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, effective from December 19, 2023, support carbon market development. 2.) The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) has both regulatory and voluntary components. 3.) Compliance mechanism requires organizations to reduce GHG emissions as per CCTS cycles. 4.) Offset mechanism allows organizations to earn carbon credits by reducing or avoiding emissions. 5.) The 2012 Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme will be integrated into CCTS. 6.) Key sectors like aluminum, cement, and steel are prioritized for CCTS due to the CBAM effect.

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Extended Producer Responsibility (#EPR) is a policy in India that mandates producers to take responsibility for the environmental management of their products throughout their entire lifecycle, from production to disposal. EPR seeks to enhance recycling efforts, minimize landfill usage, and guarantee appropriate waste disposal. EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is relevant to a range of products, such as: **Plastic Packaging**: The #Plastic #Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 establish mandatory goals for recycling, reusing, and incorporating #recycled plastic content. **Electronic Products**: EPR certification guarantees the appropriate recycling, reuse, and disposal of electronic waste (e-waste). If you are a brand, looking for EPR compliances and seriously looking for contributing to recycling your waste and be sustainable, Let's talk!! DM on WhatsApp- +91-7600874262 #epr #eprcompliance #environment #ewasterecycling #batteryrecycling #sustainability #plasticsrecycling #eprcredits

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Have you ever heard about Environmental inequalities? In short it is an environmental burden that is borne primarily by disadvantaged sections of the society. In context of air pollution in India, who do you think gets to breathe clean air and who doesn’t? Do you think all the stakeholders are subjected to equal amounts of exposure? In lots of cities, nearby kids might breathe different air. One enjoys clean air in a fancy neighborhood, while the other struggles for breath elsewhere. It's unfair, stealing away their chance for an equal beginning. While I can imagine the short term health and psychological impact but the long term mental and physical impact through such a divide is unthinkable. Let’s be more responsible for our actions and develop a better empathy towards such ignored topics. uBreathe #ubreathe #airpollution #environment

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Agricultural Carbon Credits: Successful Projects in India https://lnkd.in/gwJntDfh Welcome to our exploration of how sustainable agriculture can aid in climate change mitigation through carbon credits. This forward note introduces the dual benefits of innovative farming practices that enhance productivity and provide economic opportunities via carbon markets. Join us to discover how these strategies can lead to a sustainable and economically resilient future. #SustainableAgriculture #CarbonCredits #ClimateAction #EcoFarming #GreenEconomy #CarbonSequestration #Agroforestry #ClimateSmartAgriculture #RegenerativeFarming #EnvironmentalSustainability

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How EPR Sparks Creativity and Entrepreneurship Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an innovation in the realm of environmental sustainability. At its core, EPR is a concept that places the onus of waste management on the producers of goods, encouraging them to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products. This idea didn't emerge overnight; it evolved as a response to the burgeoning environmental crises of the late 20th century. The inception of EPR dates back to the 1970s and 1980s when concerns about pollution and resource depletion began to grip the global consciousness. Governments and environmental advocates recognised the need for a shift in how we approach waste management. Traditional methods, which relied heavily on municipal services and taxpayer funds, proved insufficient in tackling the huge pile of waste. As EPR gained momentum, it ushered in a new era of corporate accountability. Instead of viewing waste as a burden to be passed on to society, businesses started seeing it as an opportunity for innovation. By integrating environmental considerations into product design, companies began to rethink their manufacturing processes. This shift led to the birth of eco-friendly materials, modular designs for easier disassembly, and innovative recycling technologies. Among the most notable qualities of EPR is its knack for promoting creativity and entrepreneurship. By imposing responsibility for waste management, EPR incentivises businesses to explore novel solutions. Entrepreneurs, in turn, seize this opportunity to develop new technologies and services aimed at reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. Start-ups specialising in waste-to-energy conversion, sustainable packaging, and circular economy models have flourished in the wake of EPR legislation. These ventures not only contribute to environmental conservation but also stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and driving demand for green technologies. Moreover, EPR has catalysed collaboration across industries. Manufacturers, retailers, and waste management companies are now working together to optimise resource utilization and minimize environmental impact. This collaborative spirit fosters a culture of innovation, where ideas are shared, refined, and implemented for the collective benefit of society. EPR has brought a shift towards a more sustainable and responsible approach to production and consumption. Promoting creativity and entrepreneurship not only tackles environmental challenges but also drives economic prosperity. #EPR #Entrepreneurship #EnvironmentalSustainability

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Are we really willing to pay higher for sustainable products ? Don't know which segment of consumers are these 1000 respondents and they definitely don't represent the entire Indian consumers. Surveys with limited or non-representative samples create a false perception of ground reality. While it's easy for one to express interest in sustainability, the key question lies in actionable behavior, what they have done. There's often a significant gap between intention and actual consumer choices. Such reports far from ground realities can lead to misguided strategies and a disconnect between reported intentions and real-world actions. What are your thoughts on the importance of representative data in gauging consumer behavior? Share your experience in the comments below! www.grewind.com #sustainability #consumers #India #responsibleconsumption #datarepresentation

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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in India has issued a draft notification proposing new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules for managing packaging waste made of paper, glass, and metal (excluding non-ferrous metal-based). The proposed rules aim to promote sustainable management of packaging waste and increase resource conservation. Producers, importers, and brand owners will be responsible for setting up a system for collecting and managing waste, meeting specific recycling targets, and using recycled materials in packaging. The draft rules also define key terms and set out the process for submitting objections and suggestions. The rules are proposed to come into effect from April 1, 2026. #governmentregulation #EPRforPackagingWaste #climatechange #cpcb #moefcc #swachbharat

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"Important Update for PIBOs#PWM 2016.♻️♻️#🔈🔈 The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued revised guidelines for Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs), introducing significant changes to Environment Compensation (EC) rates. As per the updated guidelines: - PIBOs categorized under Category 1 (Rigid) INR 2900 /mt will be liable to pay an EC of INR 2900 per metric ton (MT) for non-compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets. - PIBOs categorized under Category 2 5000 /Mt) and Category 3 & Category 4 will be liable to pay an EC of INR 7900/MT for non-compliance with EPR targets. These revised EC rates aim to strengthen plastic waste management and promote sustainable practices among PIBOs. Stay compliant and ensure your business is aligned with the latest regulations to avoid EC and penalties! #CPCB #EPR #PWM #Sustainability #Compliance #PIBOs"#CPCB#PWM'2016'#Cpcb.gov.in. Stay#Awareness#EPR#plastic waste. ♻️♻️

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Encouraged by #Budget 2024's #Climate finance taxonomy, a positive step for #Sustainable investment. Collaboration across generations & stakeholders is key. Let's build a #GreenerFuture together! MoEF&CC Read more: https://lnkd.in/gUggZK-i

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#DEMAND–#EXPORT #MARKETS in India for #GreenHydrogen a. Considering the renewable energy potential and the enabling framework proposed under the Mission, India’s #GreenHydrogen production costs are expected to be among the lowest in the world. A global demand of over #100 MMT of #GreenHydrogen and its derivatives like #GreenAmmonia is expected to emerge by 2030. Many countries are likely to rely on imports due to constraints on land and renewable resources required to produce Green Hydrogen domestically. Aiming at about 10 per cent of the global market, India can potentially export about 10 MMT Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia per annum. b. The enabling framework created under the Mission and support for hydrogen hubs and port infrastructure will facilitate the development of a vibrant export market. Growth in export market will have a positive cascading effect on the domestic production as well. The Mission will facilitate development of strategic international partnerships to enable export of Green Hydrogen and its derivative products

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During the three panel discussions on waste and circularity at IFAT India this week, one common theme emerged. What do you think that was?   Before we dive into that, here are some key points that might be useful: 1. Shift in Approach: There has been a shift from merely disposing of waste to adopting comprehensive waste management practices in recent years.  2. Waste Management Cost: When implemented collaboratively with households, is relatively low. However, many residents remain reluctant to pay for these services. ( True cost is however yet to be accounted for production, consumption and disposal, topic of another day). 3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Currently, EPR is often seen more as a compliance exercise and pricing tool rather than a proactive commitment. 4. Recycling Initiatives: New refinery being established by an Indian conglomerate to recover metals from scrap and e-waste could greatly enhance infrastructure for metals and mineral recovery.  5. Status Quo Inertia: Many communities are stuck in old practices, resisting necessary changes in waste management. 6. Lack of Segregation: Proper segregation of waste at the source is still not fully ingrained in Indian cities. 7. Data Availability: There is a lack of current data on waste elements.   Proposed Solutions: 1. Polluter Pays Principle: This principle advocates that those who generate waste should bear the costs of managing it ( another topic of discussion). 2. Speedy Approvals: Streamlining the approval process for land allotments and facilities to undertake waste segregation and management. 3. HORECA Sector's Role: Hotels, restaurants, and catering services can play a significant role in managing food waste, packaging, and plastic use at a large scale. 4. Reuse and Refurbish: Implementing refillable systems and refurbishment standards can significantly reduce waste generation. 5. Behavioral Change: Emphasizing the need for shifts in consumer behaviour to reduce waste. 6. Recycling Mandates: Similar to existing mandates for plastics, there is a pressing need to require recycled content in electronics. 7. Consumer Advocacy: Raising awareness about responsible disposal and data protection in electronic waste management is essential. 📢   So, what was the common thread? It was the importance of individual awareness regarding the what, why, and how of waste that gets generated at a personal level. The key to meaningful change lies in understanding the importance of waste reduction, proper segregation, and individual responsibility. ____________________________________________________________ How are you enabling this behaviour change towards waste in your organizations? If you need assistance in driving this awareness, Smaller Footprint Co. would be happy to collaborate to empower your employees to become aware and take good steps for themselves and the planet. #sustainability #wastemanagement #recycle #goodstep #environment    

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