Bengaluru, 19th August 2023: Bengaluru is gearing up to host the highly anticipated 5th edition of the India Clean Air Summit (ICAS), scheduled from August 23rd to 25th. This upcoming summit will serve as a platform for crucial discussions surrounding the implications of pollution on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Mission LiFE.
Organized by the Centre for Air Pollution Studies (CAPS) at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), a prominent policy-research think tank in India, the event will delve into the alignment of clean air objectives with climate policies. It will also explore the potential of democratizing air pollution data to empower citizens’ scientific understanding.
One of the main objectives of ICAS 2023 is to chart a comprehensive roadmap for aligning clean air initiatives with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The summit recognizes the significance of addressing air quality challenges within the context of SDGs, as well as India’s efforts to combat climate change through the Mission LiFE initiative.
The 17 SDGs endorsed by all United Nations Member States, including India, form the foundation of the summit’s discussions. These goals underscore the urgent need for action to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future. The Mission LiFE initiative, led by the Government of India, focuses on fostering positive behavioral shifts in individuals and communities to promote environmental conservation.
ICAS 2023 will bring together notable attendees, including NITI Aayog Member Dr. V K Saraswat, Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi, representatives from various Indian government bodies, WHO Director Dr. Maria Neira, experts from renowned institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology, United Nations Environment Programme, Columbia University, and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, among others.
Over the course of three days, the summit will highlight the impact of air pollution on various SDGs, spanning health and well-being, clean energy, sustainable cities, climate action, and biodiversity conservation. Panels will delve into the interconnectedness of clean air and SDGs, exploring strategies for mitigation and the linkages between urban and rural policies.
ICAS 2023 aims to bridge knowledge gaps, foster collaborations, and showcase successful case studies that integrate clean air and climate policies. The event emphasizes the role of urban planners in achieving SDGs, emphasizing sustainable community design in alignment with smart city objectives.
CSTEP envisions ICAS as an inclusive platform that brings together academia, civil society, industry, and government to inform research and policy solutions. Dr. Pratima Singh, Senior Research Scientist at CSTEP, highlights the summit’s growth in terms of quality and participation, providing a space for innovative contributions and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
Co-hosted by the Indian Aerosol Science and Technology Association, ICAS 2023 is supported by influential organizations such as Clean Air Fund, Bloomberg, Open Philanthropy, and collaborating partners like City Air, Apollo Hospitals, Airveda, Aurassure, TSI, Envea, Awasthi, and Aeron Systems. To register for the event and obtain further details, visit the official website at https://icas2023.cstep.in/ or contact [email protected].
