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Women play a crucial role in many activities essential for coping with climate change. Indian women appear to be more vulnerable than men to differential impacts of climate change because they share most of the household managing responsibilities but have limited access to participation in decision making and governance. Most of the policies for climate change adaptation and mitigation do not specifically address the vulnerability of women. The National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC), formulated to shape future discourse of climate change adaptation and development, recognizes the differential impacts of climate change on society, but incorporates merely a few gender specific measures. The paper suggests gender specific measures for each mission of the NAPCC to make the adaptation and development process more inclusive and sustainable in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: India’s aspiration for economic growth has consequences for energy growth and CO2 emissions. This paper examines India’s need for energy with 20 year perspectives. From an earlier paper by K. Parikh et al. (2009), demand scenario are examined from the supply perspectives ranging from coal, hydrocarbon, nuclear, hydrogen, hydro and other renewable etc. None of these are substantial and India will have to rely on imports. The need for energy has to be reduced by a drive for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Government programmes for the above are also commented upon. Though India’s CO2 emissions are unlikely to grow very much due to energy scarcity and energy mix the article examines the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and the associated costs involved in various options. It finds that 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 is feasible but would involve additional costs. The most promising option is to reduce energy demand by various measures to increase energy use efficiency in production and consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyses carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the Indian economy by producing sectors and due to household final consumption. The analysis is based on an Input–Output (IO) table and Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) for the year 2003–04 that distinguishes 25 sectors and 10 household classes. Total emissions of the Indian economy in 2003–04 are estimated to be 1217 million tons (MT) of CO2, of which 57% is due to the use of coal and lignite. The per capita emissions turn out to be about 1.14tons. The highest direct emissions are due to electricity sector followed by manufacturing, steel and road transportation. Final demands for construction and manufacturing sectors account for the highest emissions considering both direct and indirect emissions as the outputs from almost all the energy-intensive sectors go into the production process of these two sectors. In terms of life style differences across income classes, the urban top 10% accounts for emissions of 3416kg per year while rural bottom 10% class accounts for only 141kg per year. The CO2 emission embodied in the consumption basket of top 10% of the population in urban India is one-sixth of the per capita emission generated in the US. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Natural Gas is one of the important fossil fuel energy resources in India. Anchor customers of natural gas are the power sector and nitrogenous fertilizer. It is the cleanest form of energy derived from the fossil fuel basket. Because of clean combustion characteristics, natural gas is the fuel choice for many sections of Indian industry. The demand for natural gas will grow with time. Currently natural gas accounts for 7% of the primary energy consumption of India. The Government of India has its commitment to food security and energy security. The policies are directed toward greater allocation of natural gas on a priority basis to fertilizer and the power sector. Natural gas is the main and preferred feedstock for urea manufacture. This paper analyzes and estimates projected demand of natural gas in the next two decades. The demand projections have been reviewed in the context of changing government policies regarding the fertilizer industry, such as farm gate price regulation and self-sufficiency level of indigenous urea production. The current growth plan of natural gas supply and evolving supply scenario in the future are also considered in the study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Indian economy has moved into a dynamic phase. It is necessary to see how energy demand will grow in this phase. In this paper, econometric models are developed for the various petroleum products separately with the aim of capturing variables that are specific to the individual fuel. This study projects the demand of fuels up to 2011–2012, end period for the 11th Five Year Plan, under two scenarios of annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6% and 8%. The demand of petroleum products for the year 2011–2012 is estimated to be 147 and 162 million tons in the business as usual scenario of 6% and optimistic scenario of 8% GDP growth, respectively. Similarly, the demand of natural gas for the year 2011–2012 has been estimated to be 46 and 49 billion cubic meters for 6% and 8% growth, respectively. The projections suggest the level of preparedness that will be required from the oil and gas sector to enable India achieve the GDP growth target that it aims to. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With rising population and increasing migration to the cities, it is expected that the urban population will increase and many more metropolitan cities will arise. Urban transport will also increase due to the high growth in population, travel demand and vehicles. In this paper, we look at the growth in vehicles and travel demand up to 2020, assuming business as usual, high GDP growth and low GDP growth scenarios for Mumbai and Delhi assuming a certain population growth. The consequent energy needs and local and global environment implications are studied.The case studies demonstrate that despite similar population and higher per capita GDP, due to the higher share of public bus transport and suburban railway system, the Mumbai transport results in 60% less energy and emissions compared to Delhi. This picture may change in the future with the introduction of metro in Delhi, but basic differences remain even in 2020, perhaps also due to the different urban design.The vehicle stock increases nearly three times in both cities in 23 years due to the increase in population, migration and economic growth. However, the vehicle ownership per 1000 persons only doubles and is far lower in 2020, even compared to the present world average ownership. Emissions, however, do not rise as much due to the introduction of more efficient vehicles and fuels, such as CNG or battery operated vehicles. The high share of public transport also helps. The effects of various policies, such as urban design, suburban railway system, transport management, control practices, etc. are very important. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article describes the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) policy of India, provides estimates of potential for a few sectors, and voices India's concern about the CDM. In particular it covers the problems of determining CDM baseline, transaction costs, and risks that have to be borne by the developing countries and determining a fair price for carbon dioxide (CO2). It argues for more effective technology transfer and points out that, if interpreted incorrectly, CDM rules can discourage climate-friendly policies in developing countries. It suggests that the developing countries should learn how to play the CDM game in order to secure better deals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the quantification of exposures to respirable particulate matter from biomass-fuel combustion in several rural homes in Tamil Nadu, India. Profile of study population; Respirable particulate measurements; Exposure profile; Correlation among 24-hour exposures, personal exposures while cooking and area concentrations.

In the present paper, a new system of purpose built landfill (PBLF) has been proposed for the control of methane emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW), by considering all favourable conditions for improved methane generation in tropical climates. Based on certain theoretical considerations multivariate functional models (MFMs) are developed to estimate methane mitigation and energy generating potential of the proposed system. Comparison was made between the existing waste management system and proposed PBLF system. It has been found that the proposed methodology not only controlled methane emissions to the atmosphere but also could yield considerable energy in terms of landfill gas (LFG). Economic feasibility of the proposed system has been tested by comparing unit cost of waste disposal in conventional as well as PBLF systems. In a case study of MSW management in Mumbai (INDIA), it was found that the unit cost of waste disposal with PBLF system is seven times lesser than that of the conventional waste management system. The proposed system showed promising energy generation potential with production of methane worth of Rs. 244 millions/y ($5.2 million/y). Thus, the new waste management methodology could give an adaptable solution for the conflict between development, environmental degradation and natural resources depletion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Analysis of the impacts of climate change on agriculture in India is an important exercise, as it deals with the food security of more than one billion people. This study uses an integrated modeling framework to assess the socio-economic impacts of climate change on Indian agriculture. A crop simulation model is used to estimate the yield changes under various climate change scenarios for two main cereal crops: rice and wheat. Aggregated crop yield changes are then introduced as gradually occurring supply shocks to the economy in an applied general equilibrium model, and the socio-economic impacts of climate change are assessed. The results indicate that the projected large-scale changes in the climate would lead to significant reductions in crop yields, which in tutu would adversely affect agricultural production. The economic and welfare impacts, captured through changes in indicators, such as value added and calorie intake, show that climate change would place significant burden on the economy. The results also show that people in the poorer sections of the population are likely to bear a greater share of the burden imposed by climate change. Consideration of carbon fertilization effects resulted in reducing the adverse impacts to some extent. The study also discusses the role of various policies in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing housing policies and programmes requires a careful estimation of household affordability and demand for housing. The efficiency of housing subsidies would depend on price elasticities of housing demand. Different households have different perceptions of housing demand based on their economic and demographic factors. We estimate the demand function of housing for urban India using step econometric analysis. The first step estimates the hedonic price index for states and in the second step the demand for housing is estimated as a function of economic and household characteristics. The problem of multicollinearity is observed with the data. Ridge regressions are used to correct for multicollinearity and to obtain efficient estimates. The results indicate that the housing demand is inelastic with respect to income and price. The income elasticity is 0.75 while price elasticity is slightly less than - 1. A further analysis to estimate income and price elasticities for different income classes as well as states has also been carried out. We comment on the efficiency of housing subsidies based on our results. The paper concludes with some policy questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the demand for housing in the Bombay Metropolitan Region, India. Estimation for housing demand in Bombay; Who conducted the data of Bombay household survey for the Bombay Metropolitan Regional Development Authority; How it was conducted; Results of the survey.

Housing policy formulation should be informed by a careful understanding of the behaviour of the urban housing market, as reflected by housing demand behaviour. Such basic information is important, not only for improved project design but also for the development of better sector-wide policies. The overall analysis in this paper stresses the importance of prices and income on the demand for housing in Mumbai metropolitan region. Estimates of housing demand function are given. In our analysis, we account for rent control in Mumbai which distorts rents. The results indicate that housing demand is elastic with respect to income and price. The income and price elasticities are around 1 and -1 respectively. We also estimate income and price elasticities for different income classes. The paper concludes with policy prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh, currently a low middle-income economy aspires to become a high middle income country by 2021. To achieve such aspiration, the country will have to ensure adequate power supply for its fast growing economy. Bangladesh lacks energy resources for power generation. This paper explores some of the power supply scenarios with special focus on power imports and higher use of renewables. Using the technology rich, least cost optimization model 'The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES)', the authors developed four possible future power supply scenarios for Bangladesh. These scenarios include an energy security framework (based on the Power System Master Plan (PSMP) 2016 report), a high power import scenario, a scenario with higher use of renewables and a combined high power import - high renewables development scenario. The analysis indicates that the present energy security framework ensures energy security with diversifying fuels used for power generation, however, scenarios with high power imports and a high share of renewables (including the combined scenario) bring down the cost of supplying power along with a reduction in expensive fossil fuel imports while maintaining energy security as fuel sources for power generation still remain diversified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anal carcinoma is an important but rare condition, managed in specialist centres. Both endoanal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used in the locoregional staging and follow-up of patients with anal cancer, and both may assist in treatment planning and prognosis. Recent guidelines published by the European Society for Medical Oncology have recommended MRI as the technique of choice for assessment of locoregional disease. This paper describes the techniques for both endoanal ultrasound and MRI, and compares the relative merits and disadvantages of each in the local assessment of anal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change does not yet feature prominently within the environmental or economic policy agendas of developing countries. Yet evidence shows that some of the most adverse effects of climate change will be in developing countries, where populations are most vulnerable and least likely to easily adapt to climate change, and that climate change will affect the potential for development in these countries. Some synergies already exist between climate change policies and the sustainable development agenda in developing countries, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, transport and sustainable land-use policies. Despite limited attention from policy-makers to date, climate change policies could have significant ancillary benefits for the local environment. The reverse is also true as local and national policies to address congestion, air quality, access to energy services and energy diversity may also limit GHG emissions. Nevertheless there could be significant trade-offs associated with deeper levels of mitigation in some countries, for example where developing countries are dependent on indigenous coal and may be required to switch to cleaner yet more expensive fuels to limit emissions. The distributional impacts of such policies are an important determinant of their feasibility and need to be considered up-front. It follows that future agreements on mitigation and adaptation under the convention will need to recognise the diverse situations of developing countries with respect to their level of economic development, their vulnerability to climate change and their ability to adapt or mitigate. Recognition of how climate change is likely to influence other development priorities may be a first step toward building cost-effective strategies and integrated, institutional capacity in developing countries to respond to climate change. Opportunities may also exist in developing countries to use regional economic organisations to assist in the design of integrated responses and to exploit synergies between climate change and other policies such as those designed to combat desertification and preserve biodiversity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]