Indian businesses showcase pioneering eco-friendly initiatives, from sustainable manufacturing to electric vehicle advancements, as they champion the theme “Our land. Our future. We are GenerationRestoration.”
World Environment Day 2024 shines a spotlight on some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet, emphasizing land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience under the banner “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” This theme resonates strongly in India, where businesses are driving significant eco-friendly initiatives. Across various sectors, companies are adopting green technologies, reducing carbon footprints, and championing renewable energy solutions, all while addressing climate change and inspiring global action toward sustainability.
Industry Leaders Drive Change
Leaders from India’s diverse business sectors share their commitment to environmental stewardship:
Mr. Anil Gupta, Vice Chairman, Yokohama India, highlights the company’s dedication to sustainability: “Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions by 38% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Our initiatives, such as Rain Water Harvesting and the Forever Forest programmes, demonstrate our commitment. We have planted over 200,000 trees in India and aim to plant 1.3 million trees worldwide by 2030.”
Ms. Manjula Girish, Business Head-EV Charging and Photovoltaic Inverter Division, Delta Electronics India, underscores the importance of electric vehicles (EVs) in combating climate change: “Our innovations in EV charging solutions support the widespread adoption of electric mobility, reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a healthier planet. World Environment Day highlights the progress in electrifying transportation and the positive impact of EVs on our environment.”
Mr. Sameer Aggarwal, Founder & CEO – Revfin Services, focuses on sustainable mobility: “At Revfin, we support the ‘Shoonya – Zero Pollution Mobility’ campaign by NITI Aayog. We are driving sustainable mobility through innovative financing solutions, fostering awareness, and embracing green energy practices to secure a healthier planet.”
Mr. Hyder Khan, CEO, Godawari Electric Motors, emphasizes the critical role of EVs: “EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, drastically reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Our goal is to provide eco-friendly transportation options that contribute to cleaner air and a healthier planet.”
Mr. Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, Zypp Electric, highlights the company’s impact on urban pollution: “Our IoT and AI-enabled electric scooters, combined with battery swapping stations, ensure efficient and eco-friendly last-mile delivery, significantly reducing urban pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”
Khadim Batti, Co-founder and CEO at Whatfix, speaks on the tech industry’s responsibility: “Whatfix is committed to sustainability, promoting responsible consumption, and embracing eco-friendly initiatives. Our efforts have conserved water, reduced single-use items, and planted over 400 trees, aiming to create a thriving future.”
Mr. Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India, addresses land restoration: “GIS technology is pivotal in assessing land degradation and facilitating its restoration. By providing timely information, GIS empowers stakeholders to mitigate degradation and restore ecosystems.”
Dr. Anirban Ghosh, Professor & Head Centre for Sustainability, Mahindra University, advocates for sustainable land use: “We integrate environmental science and climate resilience into our curriculum to enhance awareness of ecosystem services and sustainable land use management.”
Manish Dabkara, Chairman and MD, EKI Energy Services, calls for collective action: “Land restoration and combating desertification are vital for climate action. By supporting sustainable agriculture and innovative land restoration solutions, we can create a future where our land thrives.”
Mr. Jagdeep Hira, India Business Head, Pakka, emphasizes the importance of individual actions: “Land restoration and combating desertification require urgent attention. Small changes in our daily lives, like choosing sustainable products, contribute to a cleaner and healthier future.”
Ms. Aditi Balbir, Co-founder, EcoRatings, highlights the role of GenAI: “GenAI technologies can analyze vast data to make real-time decisions, such as assessing soil quality and identifying climate risks, thereby protecting our land and creating a sustainable future.”
Piyush Somani, Chairman, CMD & CEO, ESDS Software Solutions Ltd., stresses technological solutions: “Our energy-efficient technologies and green initiatives, like tree planting and optimizing server resources, showcase our commitment to land restoration and ecological sustainability.”
Mr. Kishan Karunakaran, CEO, Buyofuel, promotes biofuels: “Biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions, empower farmers, and utilize waste efficiently. Prioritizing biofuel production is crucial for reducing our carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.”
Anjali Byce, Group CHRO and ESG, STL, emphasizes circular economy: “Sustainability must be central to corporate actions. Our zero-waste manufacturing processes and eco-friendly initiatives, like sustainable agricultural practices and extensive tree planting, demonstrate our commitment to a greener future.”
As we observe World Environment Day 2024, the collective efforts of industry leaders in India highlight the vital importance of sustainable practices in land restoration, combating desertification, and enhancing drought resilience. These initiatives not only address pressing environmental challenges but also pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future. Let us embrace our role as #GenerationRestoration and take meaningful actions to protect and restore our planet for future generations.