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As a result of actually being here, in India, and some of the discussions and experiences we've had, Ive decided to shift the topic of my research project to the subject of pollution as it relates to climate change. Pollution in India is no small matter, and shows itself in a variety of different sectors, including water, trash/landfill and air, to name a few. I will be looking at air pollution as an entry point to understanding Indian contribution and action towards climate change. This will include understanding what might be on the horizon for India regarding these problems, especially concerning renewables/alternative energies.
Some of the questions which I will be asking of interviewees are as follow, though to be clear, these will not be my thesis question(s), just some entry points for discovering a general picture of the air pollution/climate change scene is here in India.
Who are the biggest actors regarding emittance of emissions, specifically what are the largest sources of toxic emissions? What legislation is in place for the regulation of emissions in public and private settings. For factories/large corporations? For transportation? What types of standards and legislation are in place for new development/what type of environmental regulations must new companies/developments/manufacturing meet? What type of management is there to ensure compliance to these standards? What goals does the Indian government seem to promote or endorse in international discussions on climate change? How important would you gage climate change and/or pollution to be to the residents of your city/community?
Ill also look into the motivators behind environmental action towards/against climate change in India, including "green marketing"--do people consume "environmental" products for an ego boost/do-good feeling, or for practicality and savings for the individual?
In addition, when looking at renewables, I will look into the development of energy and power in/for rural communities.
i'll be very interested to look into these issues as the concern the individual or utopian, as well as they are discussed on a larger scholarly, or even governmental/legislative level. This might include examples of eco-villages or environmentally constructed buildings, versus climate action plans.
Overall, I realize that I have chosen a very broad subject, and that India is an extremely diverse country. I will eventually have to narrow down this project, yet for the time being, I am excited to continue my research and interviews broadly, getting a feel for what about this really interests me, and making connections between all I've learned so far.
Things I have done thus far for my research project:
Sept 20: Talked with/interviewed Delhi University student about "environmental issues", especially as related to air pollution in Delhi.
Sept 23: Interviewed Arjuna Srinidhi at the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), talked about climate change, India specific.
Sept 23: Interviewed Awadhendra Sharan (Dipu) at the Center for the Study of Developing Societies, talked about climate change, Delhi air pollution, waste management and CSE.