Event Highlights

Event Highlights

• The Association of Environment and Development Research (AEDR) organized a one-day conclave on October 8, 2025, at PHDCCI, focusing on the intersection of trade, environmental policy, and sustainable industry.
• The event took place against a backdrop of global uncertainty following the United States' renewed withdrawal from the Paris COP commitments and rising trade tensions under President Trump’s tariff measures.
• Experts discussed how these global policy shifts, along with the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), were expected to impact Indian industries, especially in the aluminium and steel sectors.
• Prof. Ram Ranjan and Chesta Grover from Shiv Nadar University presented insights on CBAM and emphasized the importance of establishing a domestic Emission Trading System (ETS) to reduce abatement costs and support industry adaptation.
• Dr. M. Rahul from the Institute of Economic Growth and AEDR shared a network analysis revealing growing alignment between global trade and emission patterns, suggesting that economic integration was accompanied by convergence in emission intensities.
• Sebnem Sahin from UNDP and PMAD demonstrated through a CGE simulation model that the Horn of Africa, though highly vulnerable to climate impacts, could mitigate agricultural losses through regional trade cooperation and integrated trade–environment policies.
• Vaibhav Rundwal, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, highlighted India’s urban development priorities under PMAY-Urban 2.0, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity in housing and city planning.
• The conclave underscored the need for India to strengthen regional cooperation, develop domestic carbon markets, and align industrial and urban policies with global sustainability standards.
• Participants expressed cautious optimism, recognizing that sustainable trade, environmental responsibility, and green urbanization must progress together to address the challenges of climate change and economic resilience.