News, Views, and Updates from TERI
Dear Reader,
Welcome to September. TERI is proud to share the significant progress we have made in the month of August, a month of sustained activity and unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and research excellence.
We commemorated our founder, Mr Darbari Seth, with the 24th edition of the Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture. We also hosted the ‘Global Sustainability Summit 2025: TERI Reveals Pathways to a Low-Carbon Economy’; and an expert panel on ‘Explicating the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change’.
24th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture
The theme for this year lecture was ‘Green Infrastructure: Building a Sustainable Transport Future for India.’ As India advances its National Electric Mobility Mission and sustainable transport agenda, the institution strives to provide policy insights and solutions for green infrastructure development.
The 24th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture was delivered by Mr Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA), and the Presidential Address given by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.
TERI and Patanjali Research Foundation Trust Forge Strategic R&D Partnership
TERI and Patanjali Research Foundation Trust (PRFT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on August 6, 2025, to collaborate on a broad spectrum of scientific research and development initiatives. This partnership will focus on key areas such as traditional health systems, medicinal plants, agriculture, and sustainable development.
Know More
GIZ, TERI, and GUVNL Join Hands to Accelerate RE Integration Through Energy Storage Solutions
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, TERI, and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 19, 2025, under the framework of the Energy Storage for Renewable Energy Integration in India (StoREin) project. The collaboration aims to demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within Gujarat’s distribution grid while developing policy and regulatory recommendations to enable wider adoption across India.
Know MoreGlobal Climate Failure: COP30 Must Push Developed Nations on Mitigation
“At COP 30 this November, the primary goal must be to increase pressure on developed countries to move faster and more credibly on climate mitigation,” write Mr Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI, in his article for the Business Standard.
Know More
Global REDD+ Standards Fail Local Forests
“Unlocking India’s REDD+ potential would channel climate finance into one of the most diverse forest estates, benefiting millions of forest-dependent people and meeting climate goals,” write Mr Sayanta Ghosh, Associate Fellow; and Dr Jitendra Vir Sharma, Senior Director, TERI, in their op-ed for Mongabay India.
Know MoreRivers Have a Right to Flow
“Floods have been part of the natural rhythm of riverine ecosystems for centuries. However, with rising urbanization, unregulated development, and outdated flood management strategies, the damage caused by floods has intensified posing severe threats to human lives, infrastructure, and the environment,“ write Dr SK Sarkar, Distinguished Fellow, TERI; and Dr Girija K Bharat, Managing Director, Mu Gamma Consultants, in their op-ed for The Statesman.
Know More
Public Trust Key to India’s Nuclear Push
“The SMR concepts incorporate passive safety systems that function without human intervention or external power, relying instead on natural forces such as gravity. This inherent resilience makes them particularly robust in the face of extreme events, including station blackout scenarios. Their design offers multiple advantages: smaller reactor cores containing less fissile material, thereby reducing the potential radiological source; and lower operating pressures in certain configurations,” write Mr K Ramanathan, Distinguished Fellow; and Dr Arunendra Kumar Tiwari, Fellow, in their article for The Tribune.
Know MoreIndia’s Green Diplomacy Could Be Its Biggest Soft Power Tool Yet
“In recent years, India’s rise on the world stage has been nothing short of transformative. With a powerful combination of rapid economic growth, a refreshingly bold but balanced diplomacy, and a steady and decisive political leadership, India has sent a clear message to the world that it is ready to play a much greater role in shaping the future of global affairs” write Dr TP Singh, Distinguished Fellow, in his article for the TERI Web Desk.
View AllGlobal Sustainability Summit 2025: TERI Reveals Pathways to a Low-Carbon Economy
Decarbonizing India’s most carbon-emitting sectors—steel, cement, and oil and gas—took centre stage at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Global Summit on Sustainability 2025, where TERI, as Knowledge Partner, co-hosted a Technical Session titled: ‘Hard-to-Abate Sectors: Decarbonization in Action.’ The session convened policymakers, industry leaders, technocrats, green technology innovators, academicians, think tanks, investors, and solution providers to deliberate on practical strategies for accelerating low-carbon pathways across India’s most emission-intensive sectors. Curated under the aegis of TERI’s Industry Charter for Near Zero Emission Ambition by 2050, the roundtable showcased a selection of industry case studies and innovative solutions, underscoring the importance of collaborative action and knowledge-sharing in enabling climate-resilient growth.
Know MoreTERI Hosts Expert Panel Discussion on ICJ’s Landmark Advisory Opinion on Climate Change Obligations
TERI hosted an expert panel discussion titled ‘Implications of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) landmark Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change’, issued on 23 July 2025. Explicating the ICJ Advisory Opinion, the session brought together leading voices from international law, climate diplomacy, and policy to unpack the opinion’s far-reaching impact on global climate governance, legal responsibility, and national policy frameworks.
Moderated by Dr Prodipto Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, the panel featured Prof Bharat Desai, Humboldt Award Professor, Institute of International Law, University of Bonn; Prof Anirudh Rajput, Distinguished Professor, Law at National Law University, Delhi; Ms Anuradha RV, Partner, Clarus Law Associates; Adv Jatinder Cheema, Advocate, Supreme Court of India; Amb Manjeev Puri, Distinguished Fellow, TERI; Mr RR Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow, TERI; and Dr Nupur Choudhury, Assistant Professor, CSLG, JNU.
TERI in Partnership with NDTV Launches the 3-month ESG Certification Programme
The NDTV–TERI Strategic ESG Certification Programme was successfully launched with Cohort 1 on August 23-24, 2025 at TERI Gram, Gwal Pahari. The 3-month hybrid programme began with a two-day immersive experience, offering participants hands-on exposure to sustainability projects and ESG practices. The immersion successfully set the tone for programme, weaving together perspectives from policy, research, industry, and media. It highlighted that ESG is not merely a compliance tool but a transformative pathway towards sustainable growth, innovation, and societal well-being.
Know MoreTAKE 3
Take 3 is a short video featuring in-house experts who answer three questions on current developments.
TAKE 3: Decoding the Urban Flood Crisis
In this edition of Take 3, Dr Prasoon Singh, Fellow, TERI, breaks down the growing crisis of urban floods in India. From the root causes and climate change connections to the urgent need for resilient city planning, this episode offers a clear, concise look at why urban flooding is on the rise—and what we can do about it.
Watch HereTAKE 3: Renewable Energy (RE): Beyond the Power Grid
In this special edition marking Akshay Urja Diwas, Ms Hemakshi Malik, Research Associate, TERI, explains how renewable energy is shaping our future. From solar to wind, she highlights practical ways citizens can benefit by making clean energy a part of daily life—paving the way for a sustainable tomorrow. This episode is a reminder that the transition to clean energy starts with the choices we make today.
Watch HereTERI engages with multiple facets of sustainable development from science and technology to policy. The Earth Pod will steer conversations on issues related to climate change, energy transitions, and environment friendly growth.
The Earth Pod ― Homes for the Future: Building Smart, Living Green
In this episode of The Earth Pod, Mr Sanjay Seth, Senior Director, TERI and Vice President & CEO, GRIHA Council, explores what it truly takes to build infrastructure that safeguards both people and the planet. Is green always expensive? Can sustainable housing be affordable for all?
Mr Seth challenges common myths around green buildings and lays out a clear, inclusive vision for India’s low-carbon future—where climate-smart homes, responsive design, and empowered consumers take center stage. From policy frameworks and behaviour change to practical insights on affordability, equity, and innovation, this conversation offers a roadmap for building resilience in a warming world.
FT Energy Transition Summit India: Registrations Open
‘FT Energy Transition Summit India’ will bring together senior policy-makers, global investors, and leaders from the Indian and international energy, metals and manufacturing sectors from 16-17 September, 2025. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is the Supporting Partner for the event.
Avail 20% discount by using code TERI
TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute)
Darbari Seth Block, Core 6C, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi - 110 003, INDIA
Tel. : (+91 11) 2468 2100, 7110 2100
E-mail : mailbox@teri.res.in