Countries need to set aside their differences, recognize their interdependence, and negotiate as equals to tackle the climate crisis, says Sunita Narain, the director general of India's Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) during a C2GTalk. Nature-based solutions can play an important role, but they need much simpler accounting rules, and should be deployed in a way that benefits local communities.
Sunita Narain is the director general of the CSE and editor of the magazine Down To Earth. She plays an active role in policy formulation on issues of environment and development in India and globally. She has worked extensively on climate change, with a particular interest in advocating for an ambitious and equitable global agreement. Narain's work on air pollution, water and waste management as well as industrial pollution has led to an understanding of the need for affordable and sustainable solutions in countries like India where the challenge is to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
She was a member of the Indian Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change and has been awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honor. In 2005, the CSE, under her leadership, was also awarded the Stockholm Water Prize. In 2016, Time magazine selected Narain as one of the most influential people in the world. She received “The Order of the Polar Star” award from the Swedish Government in 2017 and CSE was awarded the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for peace, disarmament and development for 2018. Narain continues to serve on national and international committees on environment including One Health Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance set up by WHO/OIE/FAO.
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