News, Views, and Updates from TERI
Dear Reader,
The month of May 2025 saw TERI maintain its impressive momentum, picking up right where April left off. TERI and MOEFCC hosted a prestigious side event at the 20th session of the UN Forum on Forests, at the UN Headquarters, New York; and DG TERI was invited to the first edition of Europe-Asia Economic Summit in Davos. In addition, TERI signed MOUs with the Delhi Government; and Krisala Developers and VK:e Environmental LLP, further expanding the network of strategic partnerships.
Making a real difference is our constant goal, as we completed important research and published timely policy papers. These weren't just tasks; they pushed us forward and made our message stronger. We're excited for the rest of the year. Get ready with us for lots of big things to happen—we can't wait to tell you all about them.
TERI & MOEFCC’s Side Event at the 20th Session of the UN Forum on Forests, New York
TERI and MOEFCC jointly organized a side event at the 20th session of the UN Forum on Forests on May 6, 2025, which was held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States. The topic of the event was "Restoring Degraded Forest Landscapes: India's Approach to Sustainable Forest Management and Climate Resilience." This side event focused on India’s strategies for sustainable forest management, restoration of degraded forest landscapes, and climate resilience.
Know MoreDr Vibha Dhawan Steers the Conversation in Davos Towards Sustainability
Dr Vibha Dhawan spoke at the Europe-Asia Economic Summit in Davos, a global forum specifically designed to foster economic collaboration and dialogue between European and Asian leaders from business, government, and academia. Dr Dhawan was part of a panel “Digital Solutions for Accelerating the Energy Transition: Integrating Renewables and Smart Technologies”. This very first Edition of the EAES brought together participants from academia, government and multinational corporations over two days in Davos, Switzerland, to address the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability, and the implications for industry and policy.
Know MoreTERI sign MoU with Delhi Government to Implement its Prestigious Environmental Sensitization Programme for Eco-Clubs
TERI signed MoU with the Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, on May 22, 2025, to implement a large-scale sensitization campaign focused on promoting climate and biodiversity awareness among students through the school based Eco-Clubs. Targeting 2000 eco-clubs across Delhi, the campaign will be led by the Environment Education and Awareness Division of TERI to engage over two lakh students through a series of capacity building activities, thereby building a network of “eco-warriors.”
Know MoreTERI Partners with Krisala Developers and VK:e Environmental LLP for Pune’s First Climate-Responsive Township
TERI’s Sustainable Buildings Division signed a strategic MoU with Krisala Developers and VK:e Environmental LLP on May 22, 2025. This collaboration establishes TERI as the knowledge partner for the 105-acre Hiranandani Krisala Unicity Township in Darumbre, Pune—an ambitious and pioneering model for climate-responsive urban development. The partnership represents a first-of-its-kind initiative in Pune’s real estate sector, where sustainability, air quality management, and enhanced livability are integrated into every stage of township planning, development, and implementation.
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Knowledge Paper on Powering Progress: Unlocking the Energy Potential of Eastern and North-Eastern India
Commissioned by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and authored by TERI, the Knowledge Paper offers the first integrated roadmap for a clean-energy surge in Eastern and North-Eastern India. It combines State-wise resource mapping (MNRE & CEA data); a three-phase action plan spanning 2025-30 (Foundation), 2031-40 (Scale & Innovate) and 2041-47 (Consolidate). The analysis is anchored in various policy levers—RDSS, the Green Hydrogen Mission, the BESS Viability-Gap Fund—highlighting how these policies can be effectively implemented.
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Towards A Greener Tomorrow: White Paper on Indo-Dutch Opportunities for the Biotransition
Incorporating insights from the India-Netherlands joint Innovation Mission workshop and Indo-Dutch Tech Summit, which were held in New Delhi, India, this report outlines the current state of bioeconomy policy and growth projections for both India and the Netherlands. With an emphasis on bioenergy, biochemicals, and bio-based materials, this study examines the prospects and synergies between India and the Netherlands in the bioeconomy sector.
Know MoreHow India can Keep Cool as Heatwaves Grow
“India has a unique opportunity to embed thermal comfort as a foundational principle of urban development. As a member of the Smart Surfaces Coalition, TERI is working with the city of Bhopal—the first in South Asia to pursue a citywide smart surface strategy—to demonstrate how evidence-based research, combined with granular city-scale data, can accelerate the adoption of smart and passive cooling solutions at scale,“ write Mr Sanjay Seth, Senior Director; and Ms Tarishi Kaushik, Associate Fellow, TERI, in their article for 360.info.org.
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Focus on Vehicle Efficiency to Reduce GHG Emissions
“Sustainable transportation is a key aspect of reducing global carbon emissions to stem the climate crisis. The avoid, shift, improve, and fuel (ASIF) framework outlines a comprehensive approach to creating more sustainable transport systems. While much attention is given to alternative fuel technologies, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), the efficiency improvement strategy remains one of the least discussed but highly effective levers of sustainable transportation,” write Mr Sharif Qamar, Associate Director; and Mr IV Rao, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, in their article for Hindustan Times.
Know MoreIndia Needs to Rethink its Relationship With Nature
“In a globalized world where consumption, finance, and supply chains are interconnected, international cooperation and knowledge sharing are essential. 'Harmony with nature and sustainable development' - the theme of this International Day for Biological Diversity - must not remain a theme, it must become a shared commitment,” write Mr Aniruddh Soni, Fellow; and Ms Neha Sharma, Research Associate, TERI, in their op-ed for Deccan Herald.
Know MoreSprouting Sustainable, Nutrition-sensitive Food Systems
“India's struggle with nutritional issues must lead to a transformation where nutrition becomes an integral of agriculture and economic planning,” write Dr Manish Anand, Senior Fellow, TERI and Ms Vidhu Gupta, Project Research Scientist, IIT Roorkee, in their article for The Hindu.
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Financing India’s Green Transition: Challenges and Pathways
“Recent global developments–including the contentious ‘agreement’ on climate finance at the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, followed by significant reductions in development aid via United States Agency For International Development (USAID)–have raised serious concerns about the reliability of international climate finance for essential mitigation and adaptation efforts in the Global South” write Mr Sidharth Sinha and Ms Amshika Amar in their article for the TERI Web Desk.
View AllTERI Recognized for Operational Excellence in Biomaterials at JEEV Awards 2025
TERI was felicitated with a Certificate of Appreciation at the JEEV Awards 2025, held during the 4th BBB Summit & Expo on May 9, 2025, in New Delhi. Dr Sanjukta Subudhi, Associate Director, Advanced Biofuels and Biochemicals, TERI, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. The award recognizes TERI’s outstanding contributions in the category of 'Operational Excellence in Biomaterials', acknowledging its exceptional practices in sustainable biomaterial manufacturing.
Know MoreTERI Advances Clean Energy Agenda at 4th East and North East India Energy Conclave
TERI, as the Knowledge Partner at the 4th East and North East India Energy Conclave in Kolkata, highlighted the region’s pivotal role in driving India’s clean energy future. Organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the conclave – held under the theme ‘Optimizing Opportunities in Energy Transition’ – focused on harnessing emerging technologies to accelerate the shift to renewable energy across Eastern and North-Eastern states.
Know MoreWebinar on Strategic ESG for Business Sustainability and Growth
In a strategic collaboration, NDTV, TERI, NISE and Zenora have launched an innovative Executive ESG Certification Program designed to empower Indian business leaders to convert ESG from a compliance requirement into a strategic growth driver. This 13-week hybrid certification program commencing from July 2025. To disseminate more information on the same and to meet the people behind this initiative, a first webinar titled ‘Strategic ESG for Business Sustainability and Growth’ was held on May 17, 2025. The webinar introduced the Program Director and industry leaders who have completed similar certifications, and started a dialogue on the same and unlocked exclusive early-bird enrolment benefits.
Apply NowWebinar on Rethinking Plastic: Restoring Oceans and Reimagining a Sustainable Blue Future
Plastic pollution in our oceans has reached critical levels, posing severe threats to marine biodiversity, human health, and the ecological integrity of both coastal and deep-sea ecosystems. The webinar brought together a diverse panel of experts, including college students, environmental scientists, innovators, policy advocates, and community leaders, to explore holistic and actionable solutions to marine plastic pollution.
Apply NowTAKE 3
Take 3 is a short video featuring in-house experts who answer three questions on current developments.
TAKE 3: Braving The Heatwave
In this summer edition of Take 3, Mr Shaurya Anand, Research Associate, TERI, decodes the science behind heatwaves and shares smart, sustainable ways to stay cool as temperatures soar across New Delhi and North India. With temperatures soaring above 40°C, extreme heat is no longer an exception but an alarming new norm. Mr Anand explains the science behind heatwaves, the health and environmental risks they pose, and the urgency of adapting to this growing challenge.
Watch HereTAKE 3: A Biodiversity Deep Dive
In this edition of Take 3, marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, Ms Areeba Usmani, Research Associate, TERI, explores the meaning behind this year’s theme — ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.’ She unpacks the vital role biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth and how aligning with nature is key to building a resilient, inclusive future.
Watch HereDecarbonizing Kolkata's Public Transport
TERI conducted a study titled “Accelerating Net Zero Transition of Public Transportation in Kolkata” to support West Bengal’s Transport and Power Departments. The study identifies optimal locations for EV charging stations, assesses energy and infrastructure needs for electric two, three, and four wheelers, and explores solar energy potential. It also presents a decarbonization roadmap for Kolkata’s public transport system through 2050, highlighting strategies to reduce emissions, integrate renewables, and identify funding opportunities for fleet electrification.
Watch HereTERI (The Energy and Resources Institute)
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