This panel discussion, hosted by the South Asia Policy Research Initiative, focused on the balance of environmental protection and economic growth. Panelists included Muhammad Khan, the former aide to India's Minister of Environment and Forests, Professor Uwe Brandes, the founding executive director of Georgetown's Urban and Regional Planning program, and Professor Mark Giordano, director of Georgetown's Science, Technology, and International Affairs program. These experts explored sustainable development practices in India with a focus on environmental impacts.
As the world's third largest economy, India confronts a dilemma between environmental conservation and economic development. In 2010, India became the third country (among 170 signatories of the Rio Declaration) to institute a National Green Tribunal. The National Green Tribunal was created to ensure the just and expeditious enforcement of environmental and conservation laws when they are threatened by development projects. Muhammad Khan was a leading advocate for legislation creating the National Green Tribunal, and Professor Uwe Brandes and Professor Mark Giordano are experts on sustainable development and the environment.This event was hosted by the South Asia Policy Research Initiative in collaboration with Georgetown's India Initiative, the Science, Technology and International Affairs Major, and the McCourt Energy and Environment Policy Group.
Muhammad Khan is the former aide to India's minister of environment and forests and was a leading advocate for legislation creating the National Green Tribunal.
Uwe Brandes is an expert on sustainable urban development and is the founder and executive director of Georgetown's urban and regional planning graduate program.
Mark Giordano is the director of the Science, Technology and International Affairs Program, the Cinco Hermanos Chair in Environment and International Affairs, and associate professor of environment and energy in Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service.