At the World Economic Forum(WEF) in Davos, Harvard economist and former IMF Chief, Gita Gopinath, reinforced the unpopular opinion that Pollution poses a greater threat than tariffs to the Indian Economy. It is because while trade barriers can be reversed through policy decisions, chronic environmental degradation embeds itself into the production structure of the economy. Illustration by The Geostrata While the world speaks at length about trade wars and external factors inf

India has many existing environment-related statutes, institutions, and judicial security. Despite this, activities damaging the environment continue at levels that tend to point to the opposite, namely, that of regulatory failure. Urbanisation-driven encroachments such as those witnessed in Bengaluru’s lakes, large-scale infrastructure projects in fragile Himalayan regions, extractive activities like coal mining in Hasdeo Arand, forest diversion in Central India, and persist

India loses over 1.7 million lives annually to pollution , accounting for approximately  18 per cent of overall annual deaths in the country . At the recently concluded World Economic Forum in Davos 2026, Ms. Gita Gopinath, the former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, delivered a critical message. Gopinath asserted that the single greatest threat to India’s long-term economic stability and sustainability is the toxic air and water flowing through the countr

The air quality crisis in Northern India has led to a significant shift towards electric vehicles. In Delhi and the surrounding states, EVs are seen as a solution to reduce CO₂, NOx and particulate emissions  from vehicles. The city’s draft EV Policy 2.0 has an aggressive target of 95% of new vehicle registrations being electric by 2027 – and even phases out CNG autos and old combustion vehicles to fight smog. Illustration by The Geostrata Delhi has ambitious subsidy plans (e

India occupies a strikingly paradoxical position in the energy transition game. It is simultaneously among the world’s fastest-growing producers of energy and one of the most inefficient users of its own generation capacity. Over the past decade, India has expanded its renewable energy footprint at an impressive pace, diversified its thermal base and articulated ambitious climate goals in tandem with the Paris Agreement. Illustration by The Geostrata Yet, these great feats co

In a striking affirmation of its green energy ambitions, India has officially reached a major milestone. 50% of the nation’s total installed electricity capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources, totalling 242.8 GW out of 484.8 GW. Announced by Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi , the achievement arrives a full five years ahead of the nation’s Paris Agreement target. Illustration by The Geostrata More than just a statistic, this feat is a signal to the world that India’s

The relations between India and the European Union (EU) have evolved. In recent years, the two sides have extended through successive climate cooperation initiatives to develop collaborations in energy efficiency, climate mitigation, renewable energy, transport systems and beyond.  Cover by The Geostrata Since the inception of the Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP) in 2016 and the announcement of the EU’s ‘India Strategy’, the two sides, in response to improving the

As the EU implements strict anti-deforestation regulations, exporters worldwide now have to prove the sustainability of their supply chains. With the majority of India’s coffee sector relying on EU exports, it must find ways to comply with regulations while protecting the livelihoods of small growers and holding onto market share, as well as aligning with international environmental standards. Illustration by The Geostrata UNDERSTANDING THE EU DEFORESTATION REGULATION (EUDR)

The world is heading into a future where the demand for energy is climbing faster than ever. By 2040, the global population is expected to exceed 9 billion, and fuel consumption could rise by more than half. Growing dependence on conventional energy sources has raised real concerns about sustainability and the risk of a deepening energy crisis. Illustration by The Geostrata In the midst of unstable markets, changing tariffs, and uncertain supply chains, India, the world’s mos

The Arctic region and the Hindu Kush Himalayan range are miles apart. Yet, there is hardly any contrast between these two regions; their pristine natural features, all-time sensitive ecosystems and a myriad of evidence that could unlock answers to some of the pressing issues about the changing geological and historical dynamics of our planet. At the same time, they are at the frontline against climate change, whose cascading effect could open Pandora’s box for the world there

A map drawn as far back as 1947 in Pre-Communist China has, today, become the source of global concerns that are only increasing as China establishes itself close to the helm of contemporary geopolitics. Illustration by The Geostrata Such is the story of origins of the 9-dash line  which initially started out with 11 dashes, only for China to give the Gulf of Tonkin to Vietnam hence, forfeiting two dashes. The South China Sea is visualised by China such that it asserts “histo

In the 21st century, the world has entered a period of dramatic change in global climate dynamics. With an expanding climate crisis, unprecedented temperatures, and evolving geopolitical alignments, India, home to approximately 1.4 billion people  and a rapidly developing economy , finds itself at a momentous crossroad. Illustration by The Geostrata On the international stage, India’s approach combines its domestic policies with active participation and strategic partnership

Rivers have always been the backbone of human settlements, nurturing communities and fostering trade. They provide water for drinking, agriculture, and industry, making them indispensable to the national economies. For example, the Mekong River is vital to Southeast Asian countries , while the  Nile River supports millions of people in Egypt and Sudan . Illustration by The Geostrata These rivers not only sustain life but also fuel economic growth, creating interdependencies t

The world’s renewable energy boom is real, but not enough to break fossil fuel dependence. despite record solar and wind growth, oil, gas and coal remain entrenched due to infrastructural lock-ins, rising energy needs in the global south, and powerful political-economic interests. This article explores the paradox of clean gains without fossil decline, sectoral complexities, and why justice, finance, and technology sharing are vital for a just transition.

Perched on the edge of paradise, India's hill stations are collapsing under the weight of their own popularity. What was once an escape from the chaos is now ground zero for an unfolding ecological disaster. Illustration by The Geostrata The hill stations in India, which were once peaceful havens, are now being heavily burdened by both permanent and transient populations. This article examines the carrying capacity in terms of ecological, infrastructural, and socio-economic a

India stands at a critical juncture in its development trajectory. As the world’s third-largest emitter, with CO2 levels reaching...

India's move to electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy is causing a huge spike in the need for batteries. Batteries power electric...

India’s 2025 Nuclear Energy Mission marks a turning point, opening the sector to private players, funding SMRs, and reforming laws like the Atomic Energy Act. As India targets 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, the focus is on cleaner energy, industrial growth, and strategic innovation, while ensuring tight safeguards and non-proliferation.

Climate change is reshaping lives across South Asia, and women are bearing the brunt of its harshest impacts. From rising sea levels in Bangladesh to forced migration and trafficking in West Bengal, this article uncovers how climate disasters deepen gender inequalities. With case studies and policy insights, it calls for gender-responsive climate strategies and greater female participation in environmental decision-making.

When the world envisions Earth's icy extremes, attention often turns to the vast, frozen frontiers of the Arctic in the north and the...