“From Beijing to London: What India Must Learn to Clean Its Toxic Air” Introduction: Pollution Is a Solvable Problem India’s air pollution crisis—particularly in Delhi and the NCR—is often described as inevitable. It is not. History shows that some of the world’s most polluted cities have dramatically improved air quality —not by slogans, but through strong governance, disciplined execution, and long-term planning . Cities like Beijing, London, and Los Angeles were once choking under smog levels comparable to, or worse than, what Delhi faces today. Their journeys offer clear lessons for India. How Severe Is India’s Problem? (Contextual Data) The WHO safe limit for PM2.5 is 5 μg/m³ (annual average). Delhi’s annual PM2.5 levels have frequently been 10–15 times higher . Air pollution is now among the leading contributors to reduced life expectancy in India. This is no longer an environmental debate—it is a public health and econo...
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Enterprise Risk Management: India’s Path from Survival to Growth In an increasingly volatile and interconnected world, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) has emerged as more than a compliance framework. It is now a strategic imperative. ERM not only protects organizations and nations from unexpected shocks but also enables them to pursue opportunities with foresight and confidence. This article builds upon a five-part leadership series and explores India’s preparedness in light of recent U.S. tariffs, the lessons learned, and the way forward, while drawing comparative insights from China. ERM as Shield and Compass ERM plays a dual role. As a shield, it safeguards survival by providing resilience against shocks—be it supply chain disruptions, policy shifts, or compliance risks. As a compass, it enables growth by encouraging calculated risk-taking, facilitating innovation, market expansion, and optimal resource allocation. India’s Current Scenario: U.S. Tariffs Through an ERM ...
Efforts to Improve Sustainability in Cement Manufacturing Cement manufacturing is one of the most carbon-intensive industries , responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions . To reduce its environmental impact, the industry is adopting several strategies, including alternative fuels, carbon capture, new materials, and digital optimization . 1. Decarbonization Strategies in Cement Manufacturing A. Use of Alternative Fuels & Energy Efficiency Improvements Replacing Fossil Fuels with Biomass & Waste-Derived Fuels Cement kilns traditionally burn coal or petroleum coke, but companies are now using biomass, industrial waste, plastics, and tires as alternative fuels. Example: LafargeHolcim uses Refuse-Derived Fuels (RDF) , cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 30% . Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) Systems Capturing excess heat from kilns to generate electricity. Companies like UltraTech ...
Actions Taken in the Metal Industry to Address Climate Risks and Economic Impacts The metal industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily due to energy-intensive processes in steel, aluminum, and other metal production. However, several strategies and innovations are being adopted to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate climate risks. 1. Decarbonization Strategies in the Metal Industry A. Adoption of Green Steel and Low-Carbon Technologies Hydrogen-Based Steel Production: Companies like SSAB, ArcelorMittal, and Thyssenkrupp are developing hydrogen-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processes to replace coal in steelmaking. Hydrogen Steel (H2GreenSteel) aims to cut emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional blast furnaces. Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF): Shifting from coal-based blast furnaces to EAF , which use electricity (preferably renewable) to melt scrap metal. Reduces car...