Air Pollution in Urban Areas - Academic

            In New Delhi we had an opportunity to experience first-hand how bad air quality can become. Air quality is a major problem, which can especially threaten urban areas in developing countries. We saw the sheer number of vehicles on the road throughout India and this is being accompanied with high levels of industrialization. India is already home to three of the ten largest cities in the world (Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai), and the rate of urbanization is predicted to continue substantially in the future. Air pollution is not only detrimental to human health (i.e. respiratory infections), but the wellbeing of the environment as well.

The Complexity of Air Pollution and Urbanization

            Air pollution is caused by various sources and the relationship between these sources is very complex. Air pollution is exasperated in cities because of the growing populations. As poor economic opportunities in villages push people to urban areas, the government is pressed to provide/maintain the infrastructure needed (traffic congestion, poor housing, poor sanitation, etc.). The number of cars and two-wheelers in India has increased dramatically over the last twenty years. Of the 400 million cars in India in 2000, 30% of them were located in 12 cities. Nadgdeve (2004) cites vehicular traffic as the most important source of air pollution in all mega cities (cities of population greater than 10 million).

Health & Environment

            Katie Darrocott, Elizabeth Johnston, and myself researched the economic, environmental, and health impacts of urbanization in India for our final GIS project (a copy of our final poster can be found at the bottom of the linked page). Our overall conclusion aligns with many of the articles we read in class. While urbanization does provide some economic benefits (i.e. more job opportunities), there are considerable environmental and health implications. Air pollution kills an estimated 673,000 people annually in India (Nagdeve, 2004). Our presentation (see figure 3) shows that areas with high rates of urbanization have greater reported cases of respiratory infection. Our anomaly to this conclusion was Kerala, which had lower rates of urbanization but very high reported cases of respiratory infection. This could be caused, however, by better reporting of statistics in Kerala.

Our Proud Group at the Poster Presentation

            Environmental impacts are not limited to local air quality, but global climate change as well. Greenhouse gas emissions from vehicular traffic damage the ozone layers on a global level and also have local impacts. Increased greenhouse gas emissions damage nearby soil, vegetation, forest areas, aquatic systems, and groundwater (Badami 2005). With two-thirds of India’s population depending directly on climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and forestry (Sathaye, Shukla, Ravindranath), it is essential that these problems are thoroughly researched and addressed in the near future.

Solutions

            We saw first-hand in New Delhi how bad air pollution can be. As we drove around the city in the middle of the afternoon, the smog was so bad you could not see what was beyond the bridge we were driving over. Dr. Kaup even remarked that the air quality was worse in New Delhi than Beijing or any city she had been to in China. As bad as the air pollution problem is, however, there are solutions that can help restore the air quality. We saw the importance and significance of education in changing the culture of environmentalism. Informing the population of the adverse effects of pollution and about how they can personally help out will be important to create a culture that values the environment. Additionally, focus should be given to enforcement and monitoring. While the laws and regulation clearly protect the environment, a lack of regulatory force limits the efficacy of the laws. Increased monitoring will provide clearer insight to those who form policy. When more is known about a particular problem, policymakers will be able to appropriate funds more effectively. As India moves in to the future, the population (overall and urban) shows no signs of slowing. Given the importance of air quality, it must be a serious priority for policymakers as well as individual citizens.

Badami, M. (2005). The Urban Transport in Challenge in India. IDPR 27(2), 169-174.

Nagdeve, D. (September 2004). Urban Air Pollution And its Influence on Health in India. IIPS Mumbai, ENVIS center, Vol. 1(3).

Sathaye, J., Shukla, P.R., Ravindranath, N.H. (February 10, 2006). Climate change, sustainable development and India: Global and national concerns. Current Science, Vol. 90(3), 314-325.

Sustainability In Auroville - Academic

On October 15^th we visited Auroville, an experimental community that works towards human unity. The autonomous community of around 2,000 residents is an ongoing experiment that strives to develop a community that is socially and environmentally sustainable. During out visit we saw many sustainable initiatives and spoke with different community leaders about these efforts.

Our first visit of the day was to Upasana (http://www.upasana.in/), which promotes business while maintaining social responsibility. The small business employs local community to produce handicrafts. All the products were produced using local materials and required minimal waste.  The products range from soaps, to pottery and jewelry. One of the company’s initiatives is to reduce the number of plastic shopping bags that are used. From this initiative, the “Small Steps” concept was formed. Many students in our group supported this cause and purchased reusable shopping bags. Upasana also produce cotton projects that are mindful of the local cotton farmers. In response to the hardships of local farmers (and subisquent spike in suicides), Upasana only engages business with farmers that grow local, organic cotton. They compensate farmers fairly for their crop. It was refreshing to visit a business that not only promoted the wellbeing of the environment, but the wellbeing their employees as well. This venture is aligns well with the values of Auroville and will surely be a model for sustainable living/economics in the future.

That afternoon we ate lunch at the Solar Kitchen, a sustainable cafeteria and popular gathering spot for both residents and visitors of Auroville. Community volunteers prepare organic meals using solar powered stoves. Everyone who eats here pays the same price, no matter how much one eats. While I did not find the food especially appetizing, I was impressed by the efficiency of the system (ability to produce organic food and the dishwashing system that includes the patrons of the cafeteria) and the dedication of those volunteering at the cafeteria. Locally oriented establishments are pivotal for the foundation a sustainable lifestyle. This lively and engaging atmosphere evidenced a genuine commitment to sustainable living and organic eating.

Later in the afternoon we visited the Auroville Earth Institute. The center is funded by UNESCO and focuses on “…researching, developing, promoting, and transferring earth-based technologies that are cost and energy effective.” (www.earth-auroville.com). The Earth Institute primarily focuses on producing bricks made of local soil that are in turn used to build quality and affordable housing. This has broad implications for meeting the wide demand for quality housing. The technology being developed there is mindful of local resources and needs. Thus, local soil can be utilized to build local homes using minimal concrete and rebar. The focus on local resources allows the technology to be easily transferred to communities around the world. In addition to designing the bricks and homes, the Earth Institute trains community leaders from around the world how to use the machines. These leaders then return to their respective homes and pass the knowledge along. The Earth Institute’s basic and straightforward approach will allow local community members to easily maintain and repair the homes they build. 

The Earth Institute is a paradigm of a research institution contributing to the alleviation of poverty. There is a clear need for additional similar institutions. It would be interesting to visit an institution that takes a similar approach to address ground water issues we discussed in class. Groundwater pumps that can remove the arsenic from the water in West Bengal exist but the technology is not transferable. Pumps must be created using the same concern for natural resources and simplistic solutions as we saw at the Earth Institute.

Uncovering the Importance of Small-Scale Sustainability in India - Academic

At first glance India does not appear to be a country mindful of sustainability. Among the commotion of every day life there are vast amounts of cars, motorbikes, and roadside litter. Once I was able to see past the surface, however, I saw that India is widely sustainable on small-scale levels. Though they take a while to discover, there are examples of small-scale of sustainability all over India.

            The most unique example of sustainable living we experienced along our trip had to have been the Dune’s Eco-Resort. The hotel was able to blend local culture, hospitality, and sustainability. This experience was directly related to a lecture delivered by Dr. J. Wilson at MCC (November 1, 2011). Environmentally friendly accommodations include: individual bikes, organic meals, and solar energy. Small-scale establishments like this will encourage businesses to grow while being mindful of sustainability. This will help build India’s tourism while alleviating the impact on the environment.

            Other examples of small-scale sustainability projects include: organic farms at MCC and the Dune’s Eco-Resort, compressed natural gas (CNG) rickshaws in New Delhi, water-free urinals in multiple McDonalds, the Earth Institute in Auroville, battery powered shuttles in Agra, along with many others.

The Importance of Community Level 

            During our class talks on sustainability in India, we have thoroughly discussed the importance of local, grassroots projects. Any project that wishes to have an ongoing and substantial impact in the community must be designed, implemented, and carried out with community members’ involvement.

Furman alum Virginia Batts visited our group while we were in Goa. She is currently working at the Watershed Organization Trust in Pune. During her visit, she took the time to explain to us her job and the project she has undertaken. She is working on mapping areas within a community that may be vulnerable during droughts. She assists the community in working together to gather data and set up a system of water management. With funding from the Compton Fellowship, a Furman alum has been able to contribute first-hand to community level projects in India.

Having a Voice

Another Furman alum associated with the Compton Fellowship (whom we did not meet) founded the Indian Youth Climate Network. We visited the IYCN on December 2^nd in New Delhi but were unable to meet with a representative from the organization (they were all in attendance at a climate summit in South Africa). We did, however, have a brief talk with an employee from the neighboring non-profit organization (they actually share an office). That short talk, in combination with the organization’s website (http://www.iycn.in/), provided evidence of another community focused organization. They do no operate sustainable projects a local level. Rather, they empower and provide a voice for the younger generation of India.  

            All these operations and projects will shape the future of environmental policy in India. The local projects will shape local policy. In turn, these policies will eventually reverberate on the state and national level. As demonstrated though local projects and involvement in international climate conferences, India has a clear passion for sustainability – especially compared to the United States who has yet to sign the Kyoto Protocol). Small-scale projects insure that projects will meet the specific needs of communities (Watershed Organization Trust). Additionally, there are also organizations that insure the younger generation’s concerns regarding the environment and sustainability will be heard (Indian Youth Climate Network). This combination provides a positive outlook for future environmental policy in India.

Kochi

Last Sunday morning we got up really early (4 AM) to head to Kochi. Leaving Chennai was quite surreal. It was hard to imagine that five weeks ago we had arrived at the same airport in a confused daze. We made it to Kochi by midmorning and checked into our hotel. That afternoon I met up with my friend, Chili, who was visiting from Bangalore. He met me at the hotel and we set off on an adventure. We took a cool ferry across the bay and saw Fort Kochi. We walked around a bit and then had some food and drinks at a cool restaurant. He actually knew the guy who owns the place. It was this old Jewish home that had been converted into a hotel and restaurant. It was really neat to sit down and talk with the both of them.

Monday we headed back into Kochi for some "touristy" sightseeing. We visited St. Francis Church, which is where Vasco de Gama was originally buried in the 16th century. We visited the Dutch Palace - a central area of town when Western trade began in India. We also visited the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Asia. The area around the synagogue was really neat. There were a lot of old houses that have now been converted into small shops. Local artists now have galleries there and it was really fun exploring them. That afternoon we visited checked out the Chinese fishing nets in the bay. They are these huge nets that date back to 5th century and operate using a really complex pulley system. Later that night we headed to the Grand Hotel restaurant for some delicious local seafood. Chili stopped by and I had the opportunity to thank him again for giving me an insiders view of Kochi. It was really cool to set off in a car and explore a town - definitely an experience I will always appreciate.

Tuesday we had a wellness workshop in the hotel. It dealt with breathing techniques and sending positive energies. It was interesting. I enjoyed parts of it and other parts were a little strange. That evening we visited a local theater and saw a performance of Kathakali, a dramatic dance unique to Kerala. It was really neat to see the intricate makeup and costumes. The dance was neat but the music and beat were my favorite part.

We got up pretty early on Wednesday to visit an elephant reservation. We got to this beautiful river and waited for the elephants to be brought down for their baths. We got to see three young (five year old) elephants be bathed. They used the inside of a coconut as a brush. Later, we walked up to the reservation and explored around. They had a small zoo and we received a ride from an other elephant. The elephant we rode on was huge. She was twenty years old - I would say we're peers... we're about the same age! They also had really young elephants there - some were only a few months old. It's incredible how tiny they are and how big they will grow in their lifetime. Random piece of trivia: the gestation period for elephants is 22 months. Could imagine that?! Crazy.

















Thursday we we headed on a backwater boat cruise. We boarded a houseboat and set out on Lake Vembanad. We stopped a local shop on the shore and picked up tiger prawns that they prepared for us for lunch. We cruised along and saw a lot of really neat birds. The water was so clean we all jumped in for a little swim that afternoon. We arrived at our hotel in Kumarakom. We spent our time at this hotel to mellow out and relax. We played some games (three legged race, wheelbarrow race, etc.) and explored the local village. They had bikes for us at the hotel and we all set out.





We returned to Kochi on Saturday. We stopped at a rope factory on the way back. It was incredible how much rope can be produced using coconut fibers. The strength of the rope was also incredible. Saturday night we went to a local movie theater and saw the new movie Rock Star. It was in Hindi but with the help of Dr. Suresh and Dr. Khandke we were able to follow along. It was an awesome experience - there were a lot of people there and we were even able to get popcorn and soda. The movie was surprisingly good (I'm not a big fan of Bollywood movies). It was nearly three hours long but they had an intermission so we could get up and walk around in the middle.

We were supposed to head to Goa this evening on an overnight train but there was a mix up with the travel agency. Instead, we will be leaving tomorrow afternoon. It's hard to believe we have been here for six weeks. I'm having a great time but am missing all my friends and family back home.

Adios from Kochi,
Drew

PS: Older pictures I haven't posted.

This is for you, Obyran... AMURICA!





From the Theosophical Society in Chennai:


The symbol that looks like a swastika is actually a common political symbol in India. It's often found on buildings, posters, signs, etc. I believe it varies slightly from the swastika - I think the ends point out in a different direction.


Cool sundial at Anna University:


View from St. Thomas' Mound:





Random shots of the MCC campus:

Goodbye MCC

Tomorrow we are leaving MCC. My bag is packed, I've taken my last bucket bath, and have said my goodbyes. It's definitely a bittersweet feeling to leave this place - it's crazy to think that we have been here for five weeks. I haven't been the best about keeping up with blogging the last couple of weeks, but I hope this post will catch you up on our past week.

Monday we in lecture and then had a free afternoon. The lectures were on current environmental issues in India and ocean resources. Most of my afternoon was spent finishing up my mine report, which was due that day.

Tuesday morning we visited Suresh's alma mater, Anna University. We explored the campus, had some tea, and then received a lecture on groundwater issues in India (delivered by one of Suresh's former professor in Suresh's old classroom). We then headed to a restaurant that specializes in Aurveydic meals. The meal is very cleansing and you have to consume all the food correctly to receive the full effect. You start with raw juices. Then you have raw food, partially cooked food, cooked food, etc. The meal then ends with a handful of honey. I really had intentions of finishing the meal - I tried really hard! I just couldn't do it though. Some of the partially cooked food was kind of hard to handle - it didn't taste bad but it had strange texture. At least I tried! After that we visited the Working Women's Forum in Chennai. It began as a microcredit nonprofit organization for local women and now has 1.2 million members. Hillary Clinton had just visited this organization in July. It was really neat to see how empowering a NGO can be. This visit helped open my eyes during my next visit to the market (more coming). On the drive back to MCC we were all pretty hungry (the Auyvedic meal wasn't that filling for most). We ended up stopping by an IT building that had a food court downstairs. Restaurants included KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, et al. I had a McFlurry and french fries... had to cleanse my system after that bad lunch experience.

Wednesday morning we had lecture on energy issues in India. That afternoon we had a nature walk around campus with a professor. He showed us all the different trees and shrubs on campus so that was neat. We did, however, get eaten pretty badly by ants. Until this walk I was pretty bite-free. Most of the ants weren't harmful but our legs are now marked! That afternoon I went on a trip to the market by myself. It was the first time I went alone and without a backpack or camera. After visiting the WWF I had a whole new perspective on the market. At first glance it looks like sheer chaos. After gaining perspective on relative poverty in India, however, it no longer appeared chaotic. It's one thing to know what relative poverty is. I've learned about it and I know that most people in India appear impoverished relative to western standards. I didn't really have a gauge for relative poverty though until after the WWF visit. They give short term loans to women who operate businesses. The loans range from 100-1,000 dollars (5,000-50,000 rupees). The women generally have 24-36 months to repay the loan (less than 2% default). Once I realized the amount of money that was involved, I saw small business in a new light. You walk down the market and through the train station and you see women selling items (bangles, henna, cobblers, etc.) on a blanket they've laid down. There are not just a few small vendors - people are set up all over the place. Initially, this appeared to me as poverty, these people have little more than the belongings on their blanket - but not quite. These people are hustling. That's the one word I would now use to describe the market, "hustling." Yes, these people may be in poverty relative to western standards, but relative to India... they're just getting stuff done. These women are busy assembling, bargaining, repairing, and just making ends meet. They might make 200 rupees a day (equivalent to about 4$) but that's nearly four times the national poverty line of 50 rupees per day. These numbers might not be 100% accurate but I'm trying to illuminate my point. People get stuff done here. It might not be pretty by our standards but it works. I also had the opportunity to interact with different people on this trip. I was definitely stared at a lot less since I wasn't in a large group with 17 other white people so that was cool. I was looking for a store that sold cricket supplies and it was located a bit off the main road. After getting directions for a few different people I finally found it. We haven't had too much time to play cricket yet, but I'm hoping we will soon.

Thursday morning we went to the Tamil Nadu State Museum and then ate lunch in the gardens. That afternoon we visited the US Counselet in Chennai. It was a fun trip - they had an American library so we got to catch up on current magazines. We also talked with some of the foreign service officers so that was interesting.

Friday morning we visited the snake park in downtown Chennai. It was pretty wild. In addition to snakes they also have crocodiles. We also saw wild monkeys up in the trees. It was a really fun trip. Later on we visited St. Mary's Church at Fort St. George. It is one of the original churches established by the British. After that we visited St. Thomas' Mound - the the place where the disciple Thomas was martyred.

This morning we had a lecture on gender issues in India. Immediately following that we had our farewell ceremony. It was a really nice presentation by the professors we have worked closely with our group over these five weeks. We received mementos from MCC (keychain and pen) and were all asked to share a few remarks regarding our time here. This provided a nice opportunity to reflect and I said something along these lines:

The most common question I receive from friends and family back home is, "What is India like?" It's a logical question and also an irritating one. I've been here for five weeks and I've only experienced a drop of the ocean - how am I suppose to answer that question?! I've thought about it, however, and I think it begins with our first night here (in India/at MCC). India is kind of like a John Lennon Tribute Concert. It's random, obscure, beautiful, chaotic, and mind-blowing. It's the opportunity to engage in cross-culture dialogue and see what we have in common. It's a chance to learn about one another.

So, that's my (partial) reflection of the first five weeks here. I'm sure there will be more to come later.

Tomorrow morning we will be departing bright and early. We are flying to Kochi and will be there for a week. I am also meeting up with my friend Chili tomorrow and I'm looking forward to that.

After Kochi we will visit Goa and then Delhi. The internet availability over the next few weeks will be marginal but I'll do my best to check my email when I can. Maybe I'll even be able to blog and post pictures along the way. My camera is already packed so no new photos for this post. I will put some great pictures of people I'm missing. (Of course I'm missing other people but I don't have pictures of everyone saved on this machine)








































The Barker kids got on there a lot... but they're real cute.