SIEMENS

What are the most significant environmental threats faced by India?

Pachauri: We are confronted by a range of environmental threats, from soil degradation and water and air pollution to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. All of these are being affected by climate change on an increasing scale. This set of impacts will affect every segment of our economy and of our population.

What is India doing about these threats?

Pachauri: We have very strong legislation, a strong NGO movement, and a very active press. So it is not easy to pollute without attracting a lot of attention. But unfortunately, when coordinated action is required, we have not been very successful. And to be quite honest, some of our enforcement mechanisms are weak, and not as effective as they should be.

Many countries want to cut their CO₂ emissions below 1990 levels. Should India be working along these lines as well?

Pachauri: As far as CO₂ is concerned, India does not have any goals. And legitimately, there can't be any at this point because our per capita emissions are about 1.1 t per person per year, compared to over 20 for the U.S. Developed countries are the big polluters and the ones who have caused the problem. If they don't move, I don't think there is any basis at all for a developing country like India, where 400 million people do not have access to electricity, to reduce its emissions. It would be unethical and totally inequitable. It is up to the developed countries to make the first move. The emphasis in India is on reducing local pollution.

Nevertheless, energy efficiency is in India's best interest…

Pachauri: Certainly. We have a serious problem of energy shortages. And if we can use energy more efficiently, then more of it becomes available for others to use.

Are there ways in which a company like Siemens can help?

Pachauri: Being a technology leader, Siemens can certainly make a major difference. One of the most important things such companies can do is to work with partners to ensure that technologies are customized for Indian conditions in such a way that they can be applied on a large scale. The corporate sector should also work with our government on a set of policies that contribute to energy-efficient solutions.

What technologies should be emphasized?

Pachauri: Renewable energy technologies have enormous potential in this country. In Delhi, my institute is working with a group of investors to develop a large-scale solar-thermal generation facility. We are talking about 3,000 to 5,000 MW. This is the kind of thing where Siemens can do a great deal. My institute has also launched a program called "Lighting a Billion Lives" — in which Siemens is involved through its Osram subsidiary. Here, we are trying to address the problem of the 1.6 billion people worldwide who have no access to electricity. To help them we have developed a solar lantern and solar-powered village charging station where people can drop off their lamps for charging during the day.

Where will India be in 20 years? What is your vision?

Pachauri: I would like to see much greater use of renewable energy in this country because we have wind, solar, and biomass in abundance. I would also like to see much more R&D with a view to using agricultural residues on a large scale, perhaps converting these to liquid fuels. For instance, my institute is engaged in a large-scale project for growing jatropha for biodiesel. This plant grows under degraded land conditions, requires little moisture, and does not in any way affect food prices or displace food production. So my vision is to see India move rapidly toward large-scale exploitation of renewable energy sources, while ensuring that these resources are accessible to the poorest of the poor.

What policies are needed to accomplish this?

Pachauri: We will need fiscal incentives and disincentives. For instance, we have done a study for the Ministry of Finance on taxation of automobiles, and to an extent the government has implemented its recommendations. We now have differential taxes on small cars as opposed to big cars. In the area of energy-efficient buildings, my institute has been in the lead. In fact, one of our buildings, which is a major training complex, uses no power from the grid at all. A network of tunnels beneath the building ensures a constant temperature, and a solar chimney allows hot air from the south-side rooms to escape. We need a shift in direction in this country that has to translate into incentives and disincentives and, most important, much greater public awareness. For instance, it should be clear to people that there is an economic benefit to them when they build an energy-efficient building. So I think we need to reorient our fiscal instruments such that they carry us to a state of environmental sustainability.

What's the role of the Internet in this?

Pachauri: Fortunately, the government is working to make the Internet accessible to more and more people in India. But there are many associated problems. For instance, in rural areas with no electricity, how can you run a computer? So we need a package of solutions that provide electricity, which is a precondition for the Internet. And this is again an area where a company like Siemens can get involved to come up with renewable energy technologies that can be used on a decentralized, distributed basis, thus making it possible to access the benefits of the Internet.

What can individuals do to help the environment?

Pachauri: One area where I think many consumers can make a difference is by simply eating less meat. The meat cycle is very intensive in terms of energy consumption. The Food & Agriculture Organization did a study on this. They found that the entire livestock cycle accounts for 18% of all greenhouse gases produced on this planet. So I've been telling people to eat less meat. This goes hand in hand with other lifestyle changes. We need to start reflecting on the simple things — things like using lights at home. When I step out of my office, as a matter of habit, I switch off the lights, even if it's for five minutes. We should also encourage people to walk and use bicycles more.

What recommendations would you give the Obama Administration?

Pachauri: All I would ask President Obama to do is to live up to the promises he has made. It is not going to be easy. But if he just does what he has stated, I think the U.S. will be pretty much on its way to bringing about improvements at the global level and certainly for its own citizens.