ENVIRONMENT AS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SPEAKER: MR. JAIRAM RAMESH, MP DATE: 16TH JULY 2016

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jairam Ramesh is an economist, a politician and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. He is a MP in the Rajya Sabha. He has held different portfolios and served various ministries including ministry of Environment & Forests and Drinking Water & Sanitation. As an economist, he was entrusted with several crucial roles as an advisor to the Finance Minister and also to the Prime Minister. He has also served the Planning Commission, Ministry of Industry and other economic wings of the government.

He is also a founding member of the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad and a valued member of the Asia Society.

He played a key role in shaping the AP Bifurcation Act, published a book on the subject. Titled Old History-New Geography-Bifurcating Andhra Pradesh.

KEY POINTS OF JAIRAM RAMESH’S INTERACTIVE SESSION ORGAINZED BY YFLO ON ENVIROMENT AS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY:
Environment is no longer a business opportunity, but it is a moral imperative. Environment is a responsibility. So India needs to see Environment seriously. Environment is significant to India, because it is linked to livelihood unlike many western countries where it is seen as a lifestyle. So don’t look at Environment just as a business opportunity.
Environment is very crucial to India. Our population is 120 crores and in next 35 years it will be 124 crores and by 2050 it will touch 170 crore. India is the only country registering growth in population and many western countries are more are less stagnant. India is also young unlike many western nations, which are more of old people. The median age of India is 28years. So there is a more demand on natural resources. So India needs to see Environment very seriously.
Climate change is a reality. Himalayan Glaciers are melting. Andhra Pradesh with one of the longest coastlines already started experiencing the impacts of climate change. Chemical contamination has been leaving effects on public health. Incidence of Asthma is increasing. In Bangalore, 25 per cent of school going children are suffering with Asthma.
India needs to look alternatives. Need to integrate economic growth and environment protection. Look at Environment as a responsibility. Go ecologically friendly manner. Live a life that is ecologically sustainable. Nature has sufficient reserves for everybody’s needs, but, nobody’s greed (quotation of Mahatma Gandhi).
Sanitation has to be people’s initiative. India needs more toilets than temples.
Swach Bharath is getting visibility nationally due to Narendra Modi.
Urged YFLO to come forward to take up the task of making Hyderabad “An Open Defecation Free City”.
The biggest problem in India is the implementation of laws. There is no dearth of good environmental laws. But their implementation needs to be there.
As a business opportunity, green businesses have opportunities of growth in the future specifically in water recycling, solar energy and green air conditioning.