ADVOCATING THE PATH FOR A GREEN ECONOMY

Book Review : 'Survive or Sink' by Naina Lal Kidwai

The issue of climate change and environmental pollution is a global challenge. The global community has come to realise this, which can be gauged by the signing of the historic Paris climate change agreement; and many governments worldwide are also pursuing initiatives and schemes for tackling these issues, India’s Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) being an example. However, the US has withdrawn from the Paris agreement and the world is still struggling to find the answers to sustainable growth. In this backdrop, banker Naina Lal Kidwai, whose environmental engagements include the International Advisory Council of the Inquiry of UNEP, Global Commission on Economy and Climate, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Chair of the FICCI Sustainability Energy and Water Council and the India Sanitation Coalition; comes up with the book “Survive or Sink: An action agenda for Sanitation, Water, Pollution and Green Finance”, which is a pragmatic compilation of measures for sustainable growth, and a must-read for policymakers, environmentalists, business corporations and the general public.
The unit on “Water and Sanitation” details about the role of NGOs and Development Agencies in sanitation, how corporate entities can be incremental for achieving a Swachh Bharat, effective waste management, moving to Sanitation Plus, and how lessons from Germany can be incorporated for India’s rise as a Swachh nation. The second unit “Environment and Pollution” describes Collective action on Climate Change; how a New Climate Economy is becoming a reality as businesses worldwide are pursuing sustainable, low-carbon business models; and Wildlife and Habitat conservation.
The unit on “Green Economy and Finance” describes how the BRICS countries are making great strides to integrate the meaning of the Paris Agreement into their economic strategies, and about the growth potential and economy of jobs of Green businesses. The unit “Women” details how rural Indian women are sowing the seeds of social transformation, and how women empowerment nurtures the ecosystem.
The book abounds with facts and figures, and contains examples and infographics to emphasize the environmental issues that threaten India and the planet, and to present a holistic approach to the many challenges and opportunities in sustainable development in India. The book presents an understanding of both business and environmental issues, owing to the author’s vast experience of working in both these fields.
This is a book that has explored the interlinkages of water, sanitation and environmental well-being with social transformation and progress in social development indicators. This is an informative and stimulating explication of the idea of sustainable development, and of green economy and green finance; and offers persuasive arguments for an action agenda for a strong and ecologically sustainable future.