COP29 is pivotal for advancing global commitments to nature-based solutions that tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. This month’s newsletter spotlights COP29, held from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku. Read the editorial to understand the crucial role of civil society in holding entities accountable for their commitments—particularly on loss and damage affecting vulnerable communities. Discover a three-step strategy designed to financially support Indian coastal communities as they navigate climate-induced losses and transition to sustainable livelihoods. According to the IPCC, fossil fuel consumption must peak by 2030 to meet climate targets. Learn about the challenges large renewable energy projects pose to the development of decentralised renewable energy, which is vital for rural areas. Recognise the role of youth in achieving climate goals, with a focus on the Indian Network on Ethics and Climate Change’s efforts to cultivate green skills for a sustainable future. Understand India’s need for substantial private sector investment to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 and the obstacles faced, as investors tend to favour low-risk opportunities. Get familiar with the critical priorities for COP29, including climate finance, adaptation strategies, and loss and damage mechanisms—essential elements for a climate-just future. Finally, revisit key insights from Development Alternatives at COP28, where it highlighted the importance of partnerships, localised strategies, and the role of micro and small enterprises in climate adaptation, as well as the empowerment of women through decentralised renewable energy.

As we celebrate the International Day of Rural Women today, this issue of our newsletter is dedicated to highlighting the multifaceted challenges faced by rural women and showcasing initiatives aimed at uplifting and empowering them. Read the editorial to understand that empowering rural women is not only a matter of equity but also essential for building resilient communities and a sustainable future. It underscores that without integrating gender equality into all government initiatives and developing a comprehensive approach that addresses both tangible and intangible aspects, achieving gender equality and broader economic goals will remain difficult. Also, discover the inspiring story of Saroj Yadav—a testament to the transformative power of education, determination, and collective action. Be uplifted by the success of a group of determined women from Khadehari Gram Sabha, whose achievements serve as beacons of hope in their community, laying the foundation for a brighter future for all rural women.

The past five years have been the warmest ever, highlighting the need for urgent climate action. Achieving net-zero emissions is crucial for a sustainable future. This month’s newsletter discusses the benefits of green technologies in reducing carbon emissions. Learn about the benefits of pond ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, and how it can be used to make fly ash bricks, providing environmental and economic advantages. India is the world's second-largest brick producer, with millions of people working in the 144,000 brick kilns. Discover the benefits of using GeoAI technology to accurately identify kiln locations, leading to modernisation and improved worker welfare. Understand how transitioning to non-fired brick-making technology can reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the exploitation of an informal workforce. Read about how governments and organisations can help implement carbon pricing policies to support hard-to-abate industries in decarbonising. This month’s editorial delves into the benefits of green technologies and innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions and achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future.

As India celebrates its 78th year of Independence, this month’s newsletter spotlights the indomitable spirit of the people in the Bundelkhand region as they strive to enhance their livelihoods.

India is currently at a critical juncture, and its youth and women have tremendous potential. However, they need the necessary skills to overcome challenges related to their backgrounds and gain access to the market. This month’s newsletter focuses on the capacity building of India’s youth and women. Read the policy article to learn about the various government initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges and the existing gaps in policies. Discover how the Skills to Livelihood program has empowered hundreds of women to find employment and contribute to local economic activity and gender equality. Learn about the Domestic Data Entry Operator program, which is helping young women overcome financial struggles and become successful professionals. Find out how Radio Bundelkhand has been addressing agricultural challenges, promoting sustainable agriculture, and educating farmers about water conservation. This month's editorial discusses various programs aimed at equipping young people with technical, vocational, and soft skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities

Collective action has been integral to Development Alternatives’ approach to creating impact at scale. This month's newsletter delves into the organisation's efforts in promoting collective action and social innovation in entrepreneurship to bring about wide-reaching change.

Discover the importance of empowering women's institutions to spearhead and execute solutions, and understand how crucial it is to harness the full potential of these organisations for women's empowerment. Read about how Development Alternatives is engaging in conversations with rural communities in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand to gain insight into their perspectives, aspirations and challenges. Explore Urja Mandala's economic model, which centres on harnessing solar energy through mini-grid installations. Be inspired by Sunita Sahu's journey as she overcomes challenges to support her family and create employment opportunities for local women. Furthermore, this month's editorial outlines Development Alternatives' focus on building partnerships, deeply engaging with rural communities and fostering entrepreneurship among women and youth.

India faces severe land degradation, affecting 29.32% of its land. The May DA newsletter discusses strategies for achieving Climate and Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030 and 2070. Highlights include the BIWAL project in Bundelkhand, the WADI model, and various sustainability initiatives, along with success stories and an editorial on combating land degradation.

This month’s newsletter focuses on the alternative green technology solutions for our planet. India has set a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070 through policy innovations such as rapid acceleration of solar energy production, biofuels, electric mobility and green hydrogen production.

The policy article describes India’s efforts to implement various policy initiatives that provide incentives and mitigate risks for producers and consumers. The brick industry is shifting towards eco-friendly technologies. Know about the Development Alternatives Group’s efforts to promote the sector's use of secondary resources and fly ash bricks. Read about TARA’s initiative to introduce modern techniques among the potter community in Asharikandi to enhance productivity without harming the environment. Learn about the need for low-carbon cement alternatives due to the environmental impact of cement production and TARA’s effort in promoting it. This month’s editorial elaborates on TARA’s work in the profitable implementation of creative ideas that bring about a disruptive change in people's lives.

This month's newsletter focuses on the critical issue of water scarcity, a major concern in India and across the globe. The editorial highlights the pressing need for innovative approaches to plan robust and resilient water systems in human settlements. The heavy reliance on groundwater for irrigation in India has led to a critical depletion crisis, which requires immediate attention through various measures being taken across the country. We delve into the importance of sustainable water management in preventing water crises and conflicts. The Uttar Pradesh government's noteworthy initiative of constructing 14,245 ponds to revive local water bodies is also a part of our discussion. We provide an overview of the case studies developed by Development Alternatives to evaluate these ponds. Furthermore, we present a study conducted in six villages in Bundelkhand to establish a baseline dataset for groundwater availability and quality, given that water scarcity is a significant issue in this region.

Gender equality is vital for a nation's economic growth and development. This month's newsletter focuses on women entrepreneurs who are breaking gender norms and creating a place for themselves in decision-making. The editorial explains how women entrepreneurs are generating numerous job opportunities and solving local challenges. Safe mobility is a game-changer for women's economic and social empowerment. Find out about various initiatives that are revolutionising the safety of mobility for women and encouraging their involvement in the transportation sector. The recent budget has set ambitious goals for women-led development in the country through the Lakhpati Didi Scheme. Understand the critical role that SHGs play in successfully implementing this initiative and strengthening the existing ecosystem. Development Alternatives, in collaboration with HUL Prabhat, has set up a water treatment plant in Nikoowal village, Solan district, to address the water crisis in the area. Learn how the Jal Sakhi Samuh has become a source of inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of women when given the opportunity to lead. Read about KBBL, a competition that invites women to submit their innovative business ideas with the aim of nurturing a culture of entrepreneurship and addressing unemployment, and the first Shakti Kendra in Badagaon, Jhansi, which marks a significant advancement in the fields of sustainability and women's empowerment.