While unfolding this new era of development we have observed a few positive changes, such as concept development to ground testing (e.g., testing of the Big Bang theory); sustainable development as a political agenda (Obama’s campaign); elite focus to poor/rural focus; Governments being driven to public - private tie ups; US/EU to BRICS. All these changes may lead to erroneous selection of technology and irreversible resources/environmental losses.

To make the earth a safer place for our next generation, as also cleaner, it is required to engage mega level drivers/enablers to this ensure positive change. As we have generally experienced, all forms of partnerships, networks and alliances, which make mega-level implementation possible are mostly works for pilot level or for one-off assignments. To make these initiatives effective and sustainable, wide-scale dissemination of clean technologies for regional intensification is a must. Clustering (of 128 eco-kiln) initiatives of the Development Alternatives (DA) Group have not only provided incentives for small/medium brick manufacturers for adopting eco-kiln technology, but also ensured thousands of green jobs to initiate a second level of development at the grassroots level. We can think of several such energy efficient or environmental friendly technologies, which can be bundled together so as to realise bigger incentives from the carbon market to disseminate low carbon irrigation equipments/pumps/implements/practices, improved cooking devices, fuel forestry, lighting devices/solutions, etc., dissemination of which at a lower scale is neither commercially viable in rural and semi urban areas nor does it encourage people to adopt those technologies/practices.

We can also learn from various waste utilisation technologies which help us to save depleting resources, both natural and processed. A smart leadership or a small policy change can ensure large-scale adoption of these technologies and avoid degradation due over/unplanned consumption of resources. Small initiatives taken by many schools in Delhi to adopt TARA’s waste paper recycle technology have not only saved thousands of trees, but also offered practical learning to school students.

A balancing act between climate change and an ever increasing energy (in any form) use to sustain development is the key to leave behind carbon neutral societies or a safe earth for our future generations.

Development cannot be compromised, and justifying environmental damage in the name of progress is inexcusable. The solution is to find a middle path, i.e., development not at the cost of environmental degradation, as unfortunately and/or unknowingly we all are practicing, more or less.

Every citizen needs to be aware of the importance of a balanced ecosystem, and shouldn’t wait for the government to take steps. I do not see any serious problem if every individual takes the initiative towards a greener environment. The key is to bind the rich and the poor, the developed and the developing, and the large and small polluters in a deal, if we want to leave behind a healthy livable environment for our children. q