CSEINDIA

Recent geopolitical conflicts are urging a reconsideration of what constitutes environmental harm in war and the limits of existing legal frameworks, writes Rituparna Sengupta, CSE. Read the full piece: downtoearth.org.in/environment/be…

🎙️In the latest Carbon Politics episode, CSE's @upamanyudas05 speaks to @MarinaZucker from @GDP_Center about how unsustainable levels of sovereign debt can limit developing countries' ability to invest in climate action. Watch in full: youtu.be/Cws09MbRiWw?si…

New report out: Mini-Grid Markets, Mechanisms and Monestisation India has over 100 defunct mini-grids representing crores in stranded assets-not because of technical failure, but due to a policy vacuum. When the national grid arrives, otherwise functional mini-grids collapse. There are no feed-in tariffs allowing them to sell power, no buyout mechanisms to protect investments, and no franchise models to preserve their distribution infrastructure. Our new report examines how Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka have solved this through adapted feed-in tariff frameworks. It translates international evidence into actionable Indian policy: how to design tariffs, manage grid arrival, value battery storage as grid infrastructure, and transform mini-grids from risky ventures into bankable, integrated assets within India’s expanding renewable energy system. Download the full report to understand how feed-in tariff frameworks operationalise: cseindia.org/mini-grid-mark…

🎙️Introducing 'Beyond the Plate', a new podcast series by @down2earthindia. A series that looks at the full story of what ends up on your plate, from soil and farming to livestock, policy, and the political forces shaping global food systems. For our very first episode, we ask a question that hits closer to home than you would expect: What if the food you crave is engineered to keep you hooked? DTE's @shagun__k sits down with Dr. Arun Gupta (@Moveribfan) Convenor of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (@NAPiIndia), to unpack the science of addiction behind ultra-processed foods, and the industry tactics designed to keep consumers coming back for more of these "food products." ▶️Episode 1 is now live: youtube.com/watch?v=Ci_m9s… We would love to hear from you: What is the one food habit you have questioned recently?

The Climate Chronicle 2026 is out! As part of CSE’s Agenda for Survival 2025-26 programme, students spent four weeks exploring some of the most urgent climate challenges, connecting global issues to their own campuses and communities, and learning how to turn observations into stories. The result: The Climate Chronicle 2026, an e-magazine featuring student-led articles on local environmental issues and possible solutions, developed with guidance from CSE experts. Sharing one such story by Adiba Saifi on the burden of e-waste in Seelampur. 🔗 Read more and explore other stories: cseindia.org/the-climate-ch… We would like to thank the CSE mentors @binit_04 @hariph45 @mdkjawed, Moushumi Mohanty, @parthkumar24 Sayani Sen, @Shambhavi250992 @sharon_kour @Shobhit_187, Shrotik Bose and @vibhavarshney for guiding and supporting the students through their assignments and for sharing their time and expertise.

We are happy to announce that @rajusajwan, Principal Correspondent with @hindidown2earth, has been honoured with the 33rd Umesh Dobhal Journalism Award (Print). Instituted in memory of the eminent Uttarakhand journalist Umesh Dobhal, this award is among the most prestigious recognitions in journalism. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour!

Just released: Reuse of Treated Biosolids from FSTPs and Co-Treatment Plants for Uttar Pradesh Our new report looks at how treated biosolids from faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs) and co-treatment facilities in Uttar Pradesh can be safely reused, and how urban local bodies (ULBs) can make this shift happen. The document also explores potential applications, policy frameworks, existing challenges, and practical recommendations to foster a circular economy. Get your copy here: lnkd.in/eWhC7WNC

Did you know that ~90% of India’s voluntary carbon credits are issued in the renewable energy sector? CSE's voluntary carbon market (VCM) dashboard has been updated to provide all information related to carbon offset projects happening in India as of March 2026. What our dashboard covers: - Two major registries: Verra & Gold Standard - Projects by sector - Carbon credits issued and retired - Buyers and developers - State-level information Access here: cseindia.org/page/vcmdashbb…

Cycling to work as a white-collar worker: Four months ago, @_KushagraG, a researcher with @CSEINDIA decided to cycle to work. Cycling turned out to be almost as fast as motorised transport on congested roads, while offering a very different perspective on how our cities function (or don’t). Read the full piece to understand how he put this idea to test, and what it reveals about the conditions, constraints, and quiet privileges of being a white-collar commuter in Delhi: downtoearth.org.in/air/cycling-to… Read the piece in Hindi: hindi.downtoearth.org.in/pollution/usin…

Rethinking E20: : Is it time to pivot our ethanol strategy? From April 1, oil marketing companies across India will be required to sell petrol blended with up to 20 per cent ethanol, a mixture commonly known as E20. The government’s stated aim is to curb crude oil imports and cut emissions. Yet the strategy is increasingly being viewed as a double-edged sword: it not only has a mixed impact on emissions but, as a transitional fuel, may also detract attention from the transport sector’s vital transition to zero-emission alternatives such as full electrification. This raises a critical question: rather than mandating progressively higher blends for internal-combustion engines, should ethanol be prioritised as an industrial feedstock and fuel? Read the full article by @AnumitaRoychowd for @down2earthindia here: downtoearth.org.in/energy/dte-exc…

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The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) organised a regional conference on “Interpreting Good Practices to Drive Clean Air Action under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)” in Jaipur on March 14, 2026. The conference brought together crucial actors, including policymakers, state implementing agencies, practitioners, industry representatives and researchers to exchange experiences, highlight innovative technical, planning and financial approaches. The discussion focused on how emerging practices across sectors such as waste management, construction and demolition (C&D) waste, transport and industry can inform the next phase of implementation under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The inaugural session began with @sareen_rajneesh, Director, Sustainable Habitat Programme, CSE, who delivered the opening remarks, highlighting work and partnership with the Rajasthan Government in advancing multi-sectoral clean air action. Setting the agenda, @AnumitaRoychowd, Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, CSE, discussed lessons from good practices across India. This involves multi-sector solutions like zero emission transport mandates, clean fuel transition in industries, and waste circularity through biomethanation, recycling and reusing to achieve air quality targets under NCAP. CSE released the report “Debris to Dividend”, highlighting good practices in C&D waste and dust management across Indian cities and drawing key lessons for scaling up recycling and reuse in line with the new rules. Get the copy of the report here: cseindia.org/debris-to-divi… The conference concluded with an open discussion among participants, highlighting the importance of cross-sectoral coordination, innovation and cohesive ecosystems for circularity and clean air in Rajasthan.

The World Trade Organisation's 14th Ministerial Conference (#MC14) held in Yaounde, Cameroon, ended without agreement on key issues, with talks set to resume in Geneva. Some of the major issues were: ➡️The US's push for a permanent e-commerce moratorium met with resistance from Brazil and others. ➡️The WTO reform proposal was pushed back by India, South Africa & Oman due to the current reform process. ➡️ Investment Facilitation for Development was opposed by India as falling outside the mandate of the WTO. On climate, the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate adopted a communiqué, agreeing on a menu of voluntary actions to guide future work at the trade-climate interface, while 48 WTO members also reaffirmed their commitment to fossil fuel subsidy reform. @TrishantDev & @rudrathavinashi report for @down2earthindia from Cameroon 🇨🇲: downtoearth.org.in/economy/wto-mc…

CSE’s @rudrathavinashi spoke at a side event on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its implications for African agricultural exports. He shared insights from our paper, “Agriculture and Forest Commodities: Addressing Raw Commodity Dependence.” The discussion focused on the challenges of complying with the regulation and how it can disproportionately burden countries in the Global South. The panel featured Trudi Hartzenberg (@TradeLawCentre ), Kasonde Chituta, and Shimukunku Manchishi (African Future Policies Hub). The event was co-organised with the African Future Policies Hub (@AFPHAfrica) at the International Institute for Sustainable Development Trade and Sustainability Hub (@IISD_news), on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference. Know more about the key World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference (#MC14) outcomes here: downtoearth.org.in/economy/wto-mc…

Shepherds of Himachal Pradesh have so far been largely absent from government policy. That is now beginning to change. In its latest budget, the HP govt has announced a Rs 300 crore scheme called PEHEL. Watch the video to know more about the provisions of this scheme: youtu.be/mvVC_hL7IAA

India's renewable ambitions are rising rapidly, with half of its installed power capacity now coming from non-fossil sources. Yet the gap between capacity and generation remains wide. Check out India’s energy transition report card: downtoearth.org.in/energy/indias-… @down2earthindia

Ethiopia’s rapid urbanisation is putting increasing pressure on already stretched urban water and sanitation systems. A large share of the population still relies on on-site sanitation, while wastewater treatment infrastructure remains limited. We are glad to have 55 participants from multiple cities across Ethiopia, especially from towns where Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) are coming up. This makes the training highly relevant and timely, as these systems will soon require operational capacity on the ground. The sessions kicked off with an ice-breaker that got people talking about their on-ground experiences and challenges. Discussions with utility officials highlighted an important point: building infrastructure is just one part; strengthening operations, maintenance, and institutional readiness is equally critical. The initial sessions helped build a common understanding around FSSM concepts, current practices, and the importance of structured O&M systems for long-term functionality of treatment plants. Looking forward to the next sessions as we dive deeper into technical operations, safety practices, and real-world challenges in managing treatment systems.

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