Explore NEERI’s Groundbreaking Global Green Network: Sweden-Backed Centre Launches for Sustainable Solutions

The CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in Nagpur is stepping up for environmental sustainability in the Global South. They’ve kicked off two important initiatives that aim to bring countries together to tackle pressing ecological issues.

One of the main efforts is the creation of the Global South Network for Sustainability. This network connects nations in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. It focuses on environmental challenges like air and water pollution, which often get overlooked by Western-led frameworks. Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, the director of NEERI, highlights the unique ecological hurdles faced by these regions. He believes this network will empower those involved to craft tailored solutions for their specific needs.

The network will operate under a charter and will engage in yearly collaborative events. The emphasis will be on innovation, sharing knowledge, and influencing policies. Given India’s size and role in global climate conversations, Dr. Mohan sees the country as a key player in this initiative.

NEERI also acts as a Regional Centre for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). These toxic chemicals can linger in the environment and pose significant health risks. The institute is working on advanced methods to identify and replace these compounds, focusing on particulate organic carbon (POC).

Additionally, NEERI plans to launch a Centre of Excellence (CoE) on its campus in collaboration with Sweden’s IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. This center will tackle issues like wastewater treatment and energy recovery, both crucial for developing countries aiming for sustainable growth.

This partnership arose from a pre-feasibility study backed by the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova. Rupali Deshmukh, a Nagpur-born researcher, is leading this effort as the Country Manager for Indo-Swedish cooperation.

Dr. Mohan emphasizes that this CoE will serve not just India, but also as a model for sustainable urban planning in the Global South. As climate issues grow more complex, NEERI’s initiatives signify a shift towards more inclusive global environmental leadership.

In a 2023 survey by the UN, 60% of respondents indicated that they feel environmental issues are not adequately addressed by current global policies. This reinforces the importance of initiatives like NEERI’s, as local solutions to global problems become increasingly vital.

In the face of climate change, the need for collective action is clear. With networks like this, countries can better coordinate their efforts and share innovative solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.

For more on global sustainability efforts, you can check the UN’s official reports here.

Source link

NEERI, Global South Network, climate innovation, Nagpur