Economists have tried to influence governments to include environmental and social concerns into development policy.  However, there is a wide gap between what is being done, and what needs to be done. Every nation is struggling to operationalise the Sustainable Development Goals within their economy, and India already has policies and measures in place. However, the gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’  has not significantly narrowed. 

Different regions of India have diverse infrastructural requirements. To  cater to these demands, amongst other things, India needs to raise its tax collection and this mandates economic growth. However, the country needs to shift from conventional economic growth to a growth relatively decoupled from consumption of natural resources and environmental degradation. Such growth needs to be equitable, inclusive and sustainable. 

The challenge for India is more complex than the Global North, primarily because of the phenomenal diversity in cultures, economic opportunities, and natural resource endowments. While diversity is necessary for resilience, it needs local solutions in the path of sustainability. 

Against this backdrop Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune has set up the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD).

Objectives of CSD

01.

To disaggregate the term sustainable development and define its application in local contexts of diversity for India

02.

To contribute towards understanding and the creation of knowledge of social and environmental issues

03.

To understand and evolve pathways for the valuation of the ecological services and natural resources

04.

To assess, evaluate and recommend policies for a low-carbon economy

05.

To incorporate local contexts and diversity in determining climate action

06.

To review the performance of India’s climate action plan and nationally determined commitments & to offer courses in Environmental and Ecological Economics at different levels.

We work on socio-ecological issues, study sustainable pathways, and experiment with solutions that contribute to the UN-SDGs.

Interested in working with us, or engaging in action? Do contact us