Delhi is Choking on Toxic Air + COP29'S Shortfalls
Policy Post #163
Dear Reader, Trust you're well! This week, we focus on Delhi’s ongoing air pollution crisis, which continues to claim lives and strain health systems. In our Policy Charcha section, we explore India’s nuclear energy future and its need for private sector participation. We also highlight the latest global trade trends, with countries like India gaining share amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Our Climate + Health Corner brings attention to COP29's shortfalls in addressing gender equality in climate action, and President Murmu’s call for urgent steps on climate change as a human rights issue. Don’t miss this week’s video on the new Meerut Metro, a game-changer for regional growth and pollution reduction.
As always, explore our curated resources and career opportunities, and thank you for being part of our community!
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With that, we bring to you: Policy Post #163!
This Week’s Policy Focus 🔎
Delhi’s air pollution crisis has reached alarming levels, with the AQI crossing 500 in several areas—far beyond the “severe” category. This toxic air contributes to over 2 million premature deaths annually in India, and Delhiites lose nearly 10 years of life expectancy due to prolonged exposure. Despite interventions like promoting CNG, banning fireworks, and limiting stubble burning, the situation worsens each winter, pushing health systems to the brink.
Policy Charcha 💬
The best of Podcasts, Videos, Essays, Fellowships and other Career resources from the world of Policy and Governance from the week gone by!
💡 Article Highlight:
India's nuclear energy future hinges on enabling private sector participation by reforming restrictive policies, updating safety regulations, and addressing liability concerns. This shift could unlock innovation, lower costs, and enhance energy stability through private investments in cutting-edge nuclear technology.
👀 Something that caught our eyes:
The DHL Global Connectedness Tracker shows global flows holding steady at record highs in 2024, defying de-globalisation fears. Trade spans the longest distances on record, with regionalisation not overtaking globalisation. Countries like India, Brazil, and Mexico are gaining trade share amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.
🔎 Databases and Guides:
Discover your ultimate career resource sheets for everything related to public policy! Our comprehensive mega-lists include over 150 organisations that are always on the lookout for talent, 200+ scholarships for Indian students, and 150+ public policy courses. Dive in and unlock incredible opportunities!
Climate + Health Corner
In Partnership With Swasti, The Health Catalyst
👉🏽 President Murmu Highlights Climate Change as a Human Rights Challenge👉🏽 Has COP29 Failed Women?
On Human Rights Day, President Droupadi Murmu emphasised the growing challenges of mental health, cyber crimes, and climate change, urging action to safeguard gig workers, promote equitable digital spaces, and address climate impacts on vulnerable communities.
👉🏽 Has COP29 Failed Women?
COP29's Baku Climate Unity Pact marked progress in climate finance but fell short on addressing gender equality in climate action. Despite women being disproportionately affected by climate disasters, meaningful gender-responsive measures remain scarce. Read how this gap risks perpetuating vulnerability and the urgent steps needed for COP30.
▶️Video Highlight:
👉🏽 The Meerut Metro, India’s fastest, will run at 120 km/h, connecting Meerut and Delhi through 13 stations on a 23 km route. Integrated with the Delhi-Meerut RRTS, it aims to reduce travel time from over two hours to just 55 minutes, easing congestion, cutting pollution, and boosting regional growth.
👥 Community Updates:
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Careers Corner 💼
A curated list of some of the best jobs and internship opportunities this week from the world of public policy, the development sector, impact consulting and communications at large.
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