Workshop explores ways to reduce energy demand and improve wellbeing in the Global South

Dr Souran Chatterjee organised and coordinated a three-day event attended by Indian and Dutch policymakers, academics, and professionals in India
City life - main bazaar, New Delhi, India
A University of Plymouth researcher organised and coordinated an international workshop exploring some of the challenges of reducing energy demand in the Global South.
The three-day gathering drew together policymakers, researchers, and professionals to discuss current energy policies in India and how they might change in the future.
Among the key considerations discussed were how to reduce the country’s energy demands, while improving people’s wellbeing and living standards.
Those attending the event at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi were told about the findings of a recent project looking into the issue, which has provided a framework demonstrating that reductions in energy use can be achieved in tandem with improving wellbeing. These demand side measures will ultimately help in achieving net-zero transition in countries in Global South.
Among the workshop’s organisers was Dr Souran Chatterjee, Lecturer in Energy Transitions – Environmental Management & Sustainability at the University of Plymouth.

Like countries all over the world, India is currently striving to establish effective ways to minimise its impact on the environment and achieve a net-zero transition. Several countries in the Global North have set ambitious targets linked to reducing energy use, but for countries in Global South, such as India, this is a challenging concept considering limited resources, and socio-economic barriers. There is almost no empirical data available on how to reduce energy while improving the standard of living. Thus, we organised this workshop and seminar to provide an opportunity for those involved in developing policies to see some of the empirical future projections containing policies which can lead to better outcomes for both people and the planet.

Souran ChatterjeeSouran Chatterjee
Lecturer in Energy Transitions -Environmental Management & Sustainability

The workshop, organised in conjunction with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Government of Japan, was developed through the Energy Demand changes Induced by Technological and Social innovations (EDITS) network.
It brings together global experts of various disciplines to regularly discuss about and engage in the multi-faceted energy demand research.
Dr Chatterjee has been a member of the EDITS network for several years, and this workshop was the latest event he has helped to coordinate that has united academics and policy makers to discuss the challenges of reducing energy demand.

Energy and Well-being – The Indian Case Study

Improving well-being for all is a prime social target in the Global South. This seminar explored the intricate relationship between energy and well-being within the context of India. 
 

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