The University of Chicago formally opened its Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth in India with the goal of tackling the twin issues of sustainable development and climate change.
Balancing climate action and economic growth
Building on the University’s history of groundbreaking research and global cooperation, this new centre will concentrate on using cutting-edge scholarly work to strike a balance between the pressing need to address climate challenges and the demands of ongoing economic development and human advancement.
Climate systems engineering, new energy technologies including battery development, and climate economics and policy research will be the Institute’s top priorities. The Institute seeks to provide answers in these areas that are specific to India’s problems by collaborating with Indian government organisations, business executives, and academic institutions.
Director of the new Institute and the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), Michael Greenstone, discussed the significance of striking a balance between environmental responsibility and economic growth. Though it frequently comes at the expense of the environment, inexpensive energy is necessary for growth, particularly in emerging nations. Finding creative solutions that enable sustainable growth while reducing the environmental impact of energy production and use is the Institute’s purpose, he said.
Since its founding in 2014, the University of Chicago Centre in Delhi has served as a centre for promoting scholarly collaborations and significant research, and the new Institute expands on this work. With a focus on workable, real-world solutions, the Centre has made substantial contributions to initiatives in a number of areas over the last ten years, including energy, water pollution, and carbon reductions.
The UChicago Center’s Faculty Director in Delhi, Supratik Guha, emphasised the Center’s vital role in promoting collaborations and research. The work we’ve done over the last ten years is a logical progression to the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth.
“We have established solid bonds with regional partners, ranging from governmental organisations to prominent figures in the sector, and these partnerships have produced significant results. These initiatives will be strengthened with the establishment of this Institute, which will concentrate on urgent problems including climate change and the sustainable development goals,” he stated.
