Understanding carbon dynamics is vital
– Dr Kurian Joseph, Professor and Director Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management
Limited resources necessitate a shift towards regenerative practices. Reimagining production, consumption and mobility is imperative for transitioning from linear to circular systems. In the context of circularity, the “3R” framework needs to be expanded to encompass “16Rs”. These include various strategies like reforest, rethink, refuse, renewables, right size, recover, regenerate, replenish, amongst others.
Understanding carbon…
Carbon, being pivotal, exists in living and durable forms. Living carbon, cycles through biological processes. Durable carbon, relatively stable, undergoes transformation, such as in decomposing bodies becomes part of vegetation. Thus, understanding carbon dynamics is vital for advancing carbon circularity.
Electrification, renewable energy adoption and green hydrogen utilisation are pivotal. While electrifying mobility and sourcing electricity from renewables could achieve up to 60 per cent decarbonisation, additional efforts, such as employing green hydrogen and carbon capture are necessary.
The path to attain circular carbon economy
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for carbon circularity include greenhouse gas reduction, energy intensity reduction, green investments, carbon pricing, creation of green jobs and innovation. Moreover, sustainable finance and robust measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems are imperative. Education on carbon accounting and quantifying forest carbon stocks is essential. As India transitions towards net zero, electric systems improvement, low-carbon transport, energy and material efficiency, sustainable land management will collectively drive the carbon circular economy.
