The link between rising levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and changing climatic patterns was first definitively put forth in 1898 by Svante Arrhenius, a Swedish scientist. In the decades since Arrhenius, climate science has developed considerably, establishing with even greater conviction that climate change is closely connected to anthropogenic GHG emissions. As a result, there is a growing global awareness of the importance of reducing emissions in an effort to mitigate climate change.

Innovations in collection, analyses and visualisation of data are opening new frontiers in the way we understand cities. This includes data from both government and non-government sources, such as the vast amount of geospatial data collected by cab aggregators, mobile service providers, social media, etc. Crowdsourced data is emerging as a powerful tool for not only researchers and city officials in city planning and disaster response but also for citizens in enhancing their claim-making capabilities.

Cities are engines of growth, and it has been widely acknowledged that 'data is the new oil', essential to sustainably develop and efficiently manage cities. Urban data, especially spatially and temporally disaggregated, is a key to tracking the liveability and sustainability challenges faced by cities. The application of data science and technology can enable effective structuring of various data sets to tackle such urban challenges. The data thus captured can be used for finding solutions to urban challenges in a cost and time efficient manner.

Can we harness the power of technology and community to resolve these challenges? How would such a system shape up?

These are the questions at the heart of the Spatial Data System for the Inclusive Cities Agenda in India project, being implemented by Information Technology for Change (ITfC), AVAS and the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP).

Evidence can be a powerful tool for policy change; however, when the corridors of power are closed, how does one ensure that public policies are based on evidence?

Energy-environment-economy models (commonly known as E3) are often used to explore greenhouse gas mitigation policies. One such class of models is the computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. The large-scale, comprehensive analytical framework is widely used to make long-term projections on issues related to growth, jobs, investments and emissions. More importantly, it can be used to assess the economy-wide consequences of changes in policies.

AT&C loss reduction is one of the key elements in UDAY’s strategy for making DISCOMs financially viable. Energy auditing forms an integral part of AT&C loss reduction as it helps with the identification of areas plagued with leakage and wastage of electricity in a DISCOM’s jurisdiction. The prerequisite for an effective energy audit is the availability of accurate and reliable data for energy input at the feeder and energy received at the consumer end.

The Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) entered into a tripartite agreement with Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) to promote RTPV in Bengaluru. CSTEP is using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to obtain aerial images of the city. A helicopter, coupled with a LiDAR system, flew over the city to map the RTPV potential. The flights covered almost 1,100 sq. km and captured high-resolution images, including topography, buildings and trees.

Many observers agree that India's climate targets and the recent policy thrust are balanced and rightly safeguard India’s right to develop. The NDC itself remained anchored to principles of Common But Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR) and is in line with India’s capabilities. So far, India has not yet undergone a high fossil intensive growth — its emissions intensity of GDP and per capita emissions are quite low. However, going forward, all eyes are on us. How will India marry its growth ambition with our goal to remain 'sustainable'?

An interview with Dr Sreekanth Vakacherla (Senior Research Scientist, CAPS)