World Environment Day encourages worldwide awareness and action for the immediate protection of the environment. India has been a prominent participant in these efforts, launching numerous initiatives to combat environmental challenges. Key government initiatives include the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
These programs aim to improve air and water quality, promote sustainable agriculture, and increase the use of renewable energy. Internationally, India is recognized for its proactive stance in environmental preservation, contributing significantly to global climate agreements and renewable energy goals. India ranks among the top countries in terms of installed renewable energy capacity, showcasing its commitment to a sustainable future.
Industries play a crucial role in environmental preservation, and their collaboration can lead to significant positive outcomes. By forming alliances and partnerships, industries can share resources, technologies, and best practices for sustainability. Collaborative initiatives can include developing and implementing green technologies, reducing waste and emissions, and promoting circular economy practices. Industry associations and coalitions, such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), often lead these efforts by organizing forums, workshops, and conferences to foster dialogue and innovation. By working together, industries can not only enhance their environmental performance but also drive economic growth through sustainable practices. This collective effort is essential for achieving large-scale impact and advancing global sustainability goals.
Prem Kumar Vislawath - CEO and Co-Founder, Marut Drones
The pressing global issue of deforestation becomes even more alarming when we consider the statistics. From 1990 to 2016, our planet lost a staggering 1.3 million square kilometers of forest cover, devastatingly losing 15 billion trees every year. In response to this environmental crisis, Seedcopter, India's first aerial seeding solution, is set to combat deforestation and expedite reforestation efforts. This innovative technology combines the power of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and local community knowledge to address the challenges of large-scale afforestation, offering hope for our planet's green future.
With our Hara Bahara campaign, we aim to replant 1 billion trees by 2030, transforming 900 forests across India. Using our Seedcopter technology, we have already started seeding 10 acres in partnership with the UP government. The initiative restores landscapes but also empowers communities in 1,400 districts.
Mr. Ashish Pradhan, President, Siegwerk Asia
“As we celebrate this World Environment Day, the urgency for businesses to adopt green practices and clean energy sources has never been greater. India is the 3rd largest consumer of energy in the world, and as India Inc. continues to expand, it is crucial that growth is supported by sustainable models. Aligned with this vision is Viksit Bharat 2047, an ambitious goal to transform India while integrating various aspects of growth bolstered by environmental sustainability. Achieving this vision requires a collective effort from all sectors, with businesses playing a pivotal role.
The Indian government’s initiatives, such as the National Solar Mission and incentives for clean energy, underscore a robust commitment to a greener future. By aligning with these national efforts, we can significantly contribute to global sustainability goals.
As a responsible player in the packaging industry, we recognize that sustainability is paramount for environmental development. By promoting eco-friendly practices and products, companies can contribute to minimizing environmental footprint and inspire positive change across the industry. It is our duty to lead by example, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation that will drive our industry towards a more sustainable and resilient future”.
Radhika Choudary, Co-founder - Freyr Energy
As India transitions towards sustainable energy solutions, widespread rooftop solar adoption across the country is an important piece of the energy supply/demand mix. It will play a significant role in achieving ‘net- zero; emissions by 2070. India successfully met a power demand as high as 250 GW last month. Renewable energy, including power generation from rooftop solar, helped meet this historically high energy demand.
Consumers, especially industrial and commercial consumers, and homeowners are willing to make capital investments to contribute to the environment's preservation. This adoption of rooftop solar by people in Tier 1-4 cities will go a long way in achieving environmental sustainability, economic security, and equitable power supply.
Satyendra Prasad Narala, Managing Director, Regency Ceramics
Adopting cool roof tiles is a simple yet powerful step towards sustainable living. By naturally insulating homes and reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems, they contribute enormously to energy efficiency.
Reduction of the “urban heat island effect” impacts heat stress levels positively. The construction sector bears a significant responsibility in creating sustainable alternatives, and the adoption of cool roof tiles is a prime example of this commitment. The sector must prioritize environmentally conscious practices.
Fostering a built environment that supports and sustains our planet should be the solemn promise to our future generations.
Daaji - Guide of Heartfulness; President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission
Our environment reflects the state of our inner being. This alignment with nature not only preserves our surroundings but also nurtures our inner peace. But the environment is not only about plants and water. It’s also about the air and soil, the quality of which must be conserved. My spiritual teacher, Babuji Maharaj beautifully said that when we align ourselves with nature, we find peace and harmony within.
Lalaji Maharaj emphasized that Nature itself is a reflection of the divine. By observing nature, we can understand the divine principles at work within and around us. This reflection reminds us that our actions towards the environment are sacred and impactful. Our environment can create changes in us at a genetic level and hence have a direct impact on our health and future generations as well. If each of us makes an effort to restore the ecosystems, at the community level and society at large, keeping the pollutants out and using nature’s resources wisely, we are sure to save the environment. The entire universe is a manifestation of the divine. Each element in nature teaches us about simplicity and balance.
Sooraj Balakrishnan, Associate Director and Head of Marketing, Acer India.
Acer stands committed to addressing the urgent call to action presented by the climate crisis. We recognize that restoring ecosystems is paramount in mitigating climate change and enhancing human well-being. Our dedication to sustainability is evident in our recent achievement of reducing carbon emissions by 60% worldwide. Joining the RE100 initiative further solidifies our commitment to environmental stewardship alongside industry leaders. To transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035, we remain steadfast in our mission to foster a greener future. Our Vero line-up of PCs and other IT products which are made of recycled materials is a testament to this cause. On this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our dedication to making meaningful contributions toward a healthier planet for current and future generations.
Amit Bajoria, Chief Finance Officer, Virtusa.
On World Environment Day 2024, Virtusa reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, echoing this year's theme of Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.
At Virtusa, we blend logic, creativity, and curiosity to sculpt a sustainable, just, and inclusive tomorrow. Our journey towards purpose-driven sustainability endeavours to foster a positive environmental and socio- economic impact, prioritizing the minimization of our ecological footprint and showcasing ethical maturity.
We are dedicated to engineering with purpose, catalysing a sustainable future, nurturing equitable communities, and cultivating inclusive opportunities. By committing to set near-term and net-zero emission reduction targets, we strive to future-proof our stakeholders and take responsibility for our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) footprint.
L Srinath Reddy - MD, Raminfo limited
Environment and sustainable development are closely connected. By enabling seamless access to government services, we have been not only empowering citizens but also promoting sustainable practices that benefit our planet. Climate change is a clear and present danger. We must look towards building a community of sharp minds that can come under a platform to bring innovation that can help save the planet.
Together, we can harness the power of digital solutions to build a cleaner, greener future for India.
Karun Tadepalli, Co-Founder and CEO, byteXL
This world is undeniably heading towards a crisis with climate change. Solutions are urgently needed. As an edtech founder, I believe engineers possess the unique ability to design and implement solutions that address environmental challenges, from developing renewable energy technologies to creating efficient waste management systems.
However,creativity is also necessary. While we need more trees and carbon emissions obviously need to come down, engineers also need to focus on innovation that can intervene in global warming. By fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and integrating sustainable practices into our educational framework, we can inspire the next generation of engineers to lead the charge in saving the planet.
Let's commit to harnessing the power of engineering to create a greener, more sustainable future for all.
Pradip Shah, the co-founder of Grow-Trees, says, "Though there are many ways to minimise carbon emissions, planting trees is the simplest way to create effective carbon sinks. Trees offer multiple environmental and conservation benefits. They not only absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also release oxygen. They improve water quality, protect soil and land from erosion and also shelter biodiversity."