Climate Change & Global South

• Food Security 

• Climate Change and Migrations

• Climate Policies in Global South

• Reparations 

• Energy Transition in Global South 

• And much more.....

Assessing the Environmental Implications of AI Adoption in the Indian Context

This research critically examines the broad environmental implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on its adoption by leading IT and AI-based companies in India. It includes the evaluation of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) trajectory to determine whether AI has culminated the ecological obstacles or these repercussions are kept under check. AI being a revolutionary technological tool is beneficial in multiple sectors involving climate action and managing environmental risks through its advanced models and applications, has raised concerns for the environment. The aim of the study underscores the concerns regarding overconsumption of the water, e-waste generation, unsustainable extraction of resources for hardware supplies, energy emissions and pollution. Further the study investigates the actionable frameworks, policies and sustainable alternatives that aim to curtail carbon emissions and align with the ethical and ecological use of Artificial intelligence.

Exploratory Analysis of Effects of Energy Poverty on Agricultural Productivity (Small Farmers): The Case of Palghar

Energy availability, equity, and sustainability are the fundamental pillars outlining the role of energy in development (IEA, 2017). Energy Poverty (EP) is a hindrance to development and has been studied from a macro perspective. However, the effects of EP on the livelihoods of individual stakeholders have not been sufficiently addressed, specifically for low-income and marginalized farmers. As part of our ongoing analysis, we aim to illustrate the impact of energy poverty on agricultural activities and productivity.

We are employing a quasi-experimental qualitative approach to study the effect of solar irrigation intervention in the Palghar district to assess whether renewable energy solutions are effective in countering EP. We are in the process of collecting demographic and income-related quantitative data for two groups, i.e., treatment and control. We are analyzing the relationship between EP and Agricultural Productivity (AP) for the two groups. AP is being measured using the Malmquist Productivity Index, while EP is being assessed with the Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index.

Additionally, we are conducting interviews with small farmers to highlight the impact of EP on agricultural activities. A thematic analysis of these interviews is underway to assess the experience of farmers with renewable energy solutions.