War is not merely the clash of weapons and soldiers. It is a widespread social, humanitarian, and ecological disaster. When armed conflicts occur, rivers dry up, forests burn, and the soil becomes toxic. Wars are generally viewed in terms of their impact on human life, property, and geopolitical situations. However, one important aspect that often…
Taming animals is nothing new for humans. Since the beginning of human civilization, we have included animals in our lives, accepting them as friends, companions, and co-travelers. Excavations of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley, Egypt, Mesopotamia, or the Maya reveal evidence that clearly shows a long-standing relationship of coexistence between humans and animals. In…
Anthropogenic climate change is transforming ambient heat into a pervasive environmental hazard. The recent decade, from 2014 to 2023, has been the warmest on record in the history of mankind, with atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reaching new heights of 425 ppm (parts per million) from 280 ppm in the pre-industrial levels. While the Earth constantly…
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often cited as a reason for Delhi’s choking air quality. The practice of burning of the crop residue, left behind after the harvesting of paddy (rice), usually takes place between September 15 and November 30 every year. During these months, the blame for ‘stubble burning’ is constantly directed…
In today’s world, most political and economic ideologies prioritize economic growth and profit, centering policy decisions on how to enhance economic prosperity and distribute its benefits. The debate usually revolves around how the fruits of development are shared. Ecological democracy, however, diverges sharply from traditional ideologies by placing the environment at the core of policy-making…
Environmentalism in India is often viewed through the lens of rural struggles or the actions of marginalized groups. However, the role of the urban middle class, a group that exerts immense influence on environmental and social dynamics, deserves closer scrutiny. As urbanization accelerates and environmental challenges deepen, the middle class occupies a pivotal position in…
In India, environmental issues often receive little attention in electoral politics. In recent Haryana state elections, critical problems such as stubble burning, groundwater salinity, sand mining, degradation of the Aravalli hills, and urban flooding were sidelined. As elections approach in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, where pressing issues around water, forests, land, and droughts exist, political parties…
1. Conclusion All of this demonstrates that sustainability already plays an important role in shaping the future of the financial industry. Indeed, assets under management with an ESG mandate are growing exponentially and most financial market participants accept that this sustainability transition is something they can no longer ignore. It is encouraging to see that…
1. Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan Unilever, a leading multinational consumer goods company, has successfully integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their business practices. Their Sustainable Living Plan (SLP), launched in 2010, set ambitious goals to improve public health by reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fat content in their products, protect the environment through…
1. Introduction The ESG landscape includes an array of disruptions, activities, and commitments around the environment, social capital, business and innovation, leadership and governance, and human capital. Recent developments by standard-setters and regulators are changing the disclosure landscape regarding ESG. In 2021, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Technical Expert Group appointed the SEC…
