‘Development possible sans sacrificing fun’

Unlike most environmental experts, professor Norman Myers did not paint a picture of gloom and doom for the world. In fact, presenting the f...

Unlike most environmental experts, professor Norman Myers did not paint a picture of gloom and doom for the world. In fact, presenting the fourth Rajiv Gandhi Environment Lecture, he showed how simple it was to pursue a path of sustainable development without compromising on comforts. Through simple calculations, he showed how good environment made better economic sense and the possibility of even walking away with more money in your pocket.

Myers who is one of the world’s leading environmentalist and a faculty member at Harvard and Oxford has done path-breaking research on bio-diversity ‘‘hot-spots’’ said: ‘‘It is marvellous to be in this world where we can chose a life that is more fun, where we can take care of the environment and create great social equity within and between nations.’’

He shattered the myth that population growth was a problem of the South. While UK had a population growth rate of only 0.1 per cent or an additional 60,000 people per year, Bangladesh had a population growth rate of 2 per cent, producing an additional 2.7 million people. The catch is that as a result of profligate use of fossil fuels, each new Briton produces 50 times more Co2 than each new Bangladeshi meaning thereby that the annual population growth in Britain causes as much Co2 as Bangladesh.

Story continues below this ad

Thanks to skewed policies, he warned global warming was a real threat and a country like India had 23 million people at risk while the world had a total of 204 million people at risk.

He was extremely enthused by India’s economic progress. He said though three of the most polluted cities of the world are in India, Delhi had done wonders at clearing the air. He also talked of Kerala in glowing terms because of its economic indicators.

Another interesting fact was that to counter under-nutrition in developing countries through upgraded agriculture would cost $40 billion per year. To counter over-nutrition in developed countries through slimming aids, the citizens are spending the same amount of money.

us india trade talks, us india trade negotiations, us india tariffs, us india trade relations, trump modi trade talks, india us commerce ministry, us tariffs on india, india exporters relief package, us india economic relations, india us trade barriers, us india trade deal, india us trade meeting, rajesh agarwal commerce ministry, india us trade dispute, india us bilateral trade

Trade talks ‘positive’, govt says will intensify efforts to close US deal early

Business4 hr ago

India and the US have resumed trade negotiations after the US imposed tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. The sixth round of talks will focus on recognising India's red lines and possibly increasing energy purchases from the US. Other topics include easing patent rules, data flows, and giving US firms procurement access.

View all shorts

Live Blog