Pune Knowledge Cluster organizes – ‘Curb the Carbon’ Conclave to promote discussions around sustainability and de-carbonization
Pune, 28th June 2024: Pune Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), together with Samuchit Envirotech and Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics organized a one-day event- Curb the Carbon Conclave: Transitioning to Sustainability to promote discussions on sustainable solutions towards de-carbonization.
Dr. Priya Nagaraj, CEO, PKC, while setting up the context for the conclave said, “PKC’s work over the past years with various stakeholders in the sustainability sector has led to the conceptualization of this conclave, where we, as a cluster aim to provide a platform for active engagement, networking and conceptualization of novel collaborative projects.”
The conclave had interesting perspectives shared by experts on understanding the need of carbon accounting frameworks to combat climate change, and their place in the assessment of green journey.
Sunil Dadhe, Dy. CAG (Retd.), while delivering his keynote lecture specifically addressed this topic saying, “Having been in the audit service for over 30 years, I have realized that one can only control that which can be measured and therefore, a framework is essential for us to truly estimate the usage of natural resources.”
Dr. Priyadarshini Karve, Founder-Director of Samuchit Envirotech, the co-organizer of this conclave shared interesting insights regarding the science, policy and ethics of climate change. While stressing upon the need to implement both adaptation as well as mitigation strategies to combat the impacts of climate change, she said that India is on the right track in terms of transitioning towards sustainability. She added, “We are living in crucial times, and making ‘history’ for the future. These are the decades of climate action, or inaction.”
Dr. Gurudas Nulkar, Professor and Director, Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD), at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, also one of the partners in organizing this event further spoke about the economic implications of climate change and green growth in wake of the Amrit Kaal. He said, “While the provisions made in the Amrit Kaal are necessary, they are not sufficient to enable a transition to sustainability.” He underscored the need for a systemic change with equal involvement of government as well as private sector- including policy level changes, inception of more start-ups focusing on circular economy and improvement in the recovery and recycling infrastructure.
The conclave had a presence of over 60 attendees, bringing together experts and professionals from academia as well as medium and large industries. Apart from talks by experts, the conclave hosted dedicated Q&A sessions and networking sessions to foster engagement between the attendees. The conclave concluded with two roundtable sessions, where academic as well as industry professionals discussed their individual perspectives in achieving Net Zero Goals.