Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Law University Delhi join the GEMM Initiative with a focus on environmental law and science
About Optica
12 September 2023
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Law University Delhi join the GEMM Initiative with a focus on environmental law and science
New partnership is the first multidisciplinary center in the GEMM network to combine expertise on both science and environmental law.
DELHI/WASHINGTON—Delhi, the world’s second most populous city, faces environmental challenges such as extreme air pollution and water scarcity driven by rapid population growth and climate change. To meet these challenges, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) and the National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) are joining forces to leverage both scientific and legal expertise as part of the Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring (GEMM) Initiative.
The GEMM Initiative, a partnership between Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide and the American Geophysical Union (AGU), is a network of researchers, engineers, practitioners, and policy stakeholders collaborating on shared issues in the environment and climate. The new partnership between IIT Delhi and NLU Delhi is the first multidisciplinary GEMM center focusing on creating community-based solutions at the nexus of law and science.
"At IIT Delhi, we are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside NLU Delhi and the GEMM Initiative. We have an opportunity to make transformative contributions towards environmental protection by taking a multidisciplinary science and law approach,” said Sagnik Dey, Professor in the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at IIT Delhi. “Our combined efforts will drive the development of cutting-edge technologies, data-driven policies and sustainable practices that will positively impact Delhi and communities worldwide."
GEMM Delhi will work to connect climate and environmental stakeholders in both science and law to help bridge the gap between scientific study and legal implementation. It will engage with leading institutions, organizations and experts from around the world within the GEMM network to strengthen global collaboration and knowledge exchange in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable planet.
"This is an exciting collaboration with the GEMM Intirative that provides a remarkable opportunity for a dynamic, interdisciplinary synthesis of law and science to address environmental challenges as well as the well-being and rights framework of diverse community settings," said Dr. Bharti, Professor of Law at NLU Delhi. "NLU Delhi and IIT Delhi aim to be an intrinsic part of the global GEMM cohort and its purposeful endeavor towards seeking just and verifiable solutions in the legal and scientific domains."
IIT Delhi and NLU Delhi join Westlake University, the host of GEMM Hangzhou, as GEMM Centers arising from discussions at the 2022 GEMM Asia Summit held in Singapore. At the summit, representatives from IIT Delhi and NLU Delhi led a collaborative session on India’s climate, legal and environmental monitoring challenges.
“I am excited to welcome our newest partners to the GEMM Initiative. Not only does the launch of GEMM Delhi extend the reach of our network, but we have gained valuable expertise in climate and environmental law,” said Tomohiro Oda, co-chair of the GEMM Initiative. “As the chair of the GEMM Asia Summit, it’s rewarding to see the discussions we had in Singapore turn into new friendships around the world.”
About Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)
For more information about the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at ITT Delhi, please visit: https://cas.iitd.ac.in/
About National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi)
For more information about the Centre for Environment Law, Policy & Research (CELPR) at NLU Delhi, please visit: https://nludelhi.ac.in/res-celpr.aspx
About the GEMM Initiative
The Global Environmental Measurement & Monitoring (GEMM) Initiative is an international project of Optica and the American Geophysical Union (AGU) seeking to bring together science, technology, and policy stakeholders to address critical environmental challenges and provide solutions to inform policy decisions on greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air and water quality. GEMM Centers are currently established in Scotland, Canada, China, India, New Zealand, and the United States in the San Francisco Bay Area and Midwest.
About AGU
AGU (www.agu.org) is a global community supporting more than half a million advocates and professionals in Earth and space sciences. Through broad and inclusive partnerships, AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C. and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct.
About Optica
Optica (formerly OSA), Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org
About Optica
Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the Society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org
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