Month: October 2024

On October 30, 2024, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), a primary stakeholder of the study project, hosted a high-level stakeholder presentation in the Corporation meeting for the project “Economic and Health Impact Assessment of the Heat Adaptation Action- Case Studies from India” led by the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), based on an earlier presentation for the BMC officials organised on 15th October.
The stakeholder presentation covered the five-year study project, focusing on Bhubaneswar’s low-income settlements, targeting vulnerable groups, including school children, the elderly, and the outdoor workers, aiming to understand the health and livelihood impacts of extreme heat & heat waves. Key highlights included the introduction of potential interventions, such as mobile apps for heat advisories, adaptation kits, and infrastructure improvements like cool roofs etc. BMC officials provided strategic input, advising on community engagement and operational planning to facilitate effective data collection and intervention implementation across designated low-income areas. This project promises to deliver actionable insights for enhancing Bhubaneswar’s Heat Action Plan (HAP) and strengthening the resilience of its most affected communities.
Following the presentation, BMC signed a letter of intent with IEG to organise a baseline study as the initial phase of the project. This study will assess current conditions in target areas and pave the way future interventions.
During the event, Dr. Arabinda Mishra Chairman, Development and Environment Futures Trust (DEFT) & Co-PI, along with Dr Willium Joe, Co-PI, IEG provided an in-depth overview, outlining the project’s goals, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes. Dignitaries such as the Hon’ble Mayor Ms. Sulochana Das, Deputy Mayor Ms. Manjulata Kanhar, Hon’ble MLA Mr. Susant Kumar Rout (Bhubaneswar North), 67 Ward Corporators,representative of MP Bhubaneswar, MLAs (Bhubaneswar Central & Ekamra), BMC’s high-level officials and all other officials were present underscoring BMC’s commitment to this critical public health initiative.

Prof. Purnamita Dasgupta from the Institute of Economic Growth delivered a keynote address on the intricate relationship between climate change and sustainable development titled “Climate Change and Sustainable Development – Equitable and Integrative Action” at the 23rd IASSI Annual Conference held at BIT Mesra, Ranchi, from October 25th to 27th, 2024.
Prof. Dasgupta emphasised the crucial role of economics in understanding and shaping climate-friendly policies. However, she also highlighted the multifaceted nature of development, which extends beyond economic considerations. The persistence of historical challenges, coupled with contemporary risks, necessitates a comprehensive approach to address the evolving threats to sustainability.
The keynote address delved into the significant impacts of climate change on developing countries, both physically and socio-economically. Prof. Dasgupta introduced the concepts of adaptation and mitigation, providing real-world examples to illustrate their implementation. A key focus of the address was the transition to a net-zero carbon economy. Prof. Dasgupta discussed carbon pricing mechanisms like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), carbon taxes, and carbon trading as potential tools to incentivise emissions reductions. However, she also acknowledged the challenges of fair implementation and revenue generation associated with these mechanisms.
To achieve a harmonious balance between climate change and development, Prof. Dasgupta advocated for a holistic approach that integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions. She emphasised the importance of equity and justice as guiding principles in climate and development initiatives.
In conclusion, the keynote address provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of climate change and development. It underscored the need for innovative and equitable solutions to address both the immediate impacts of climate change and the long-term goal of sustainable development.