Dr. Sujata Sengupta is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Miranda House, standing at the forefront of innovation in the dynamic field of synthetic Organic Chemistry . As a distinguished alumna of Miranda House, where she once passionately volunteered for MH Vatavaran, Dr. Sengupta has continued to excel on her remarkable academic journey. Her academic accolades include a prestigious doctorate in synthetic organic chemistry from West Virginia University in Morgantown, USA.
Dr. Sujata Sen Gupta, Assistant Professor, Miranda House
Q1) Could you throw a light on what is meant by planetary boundaries breach and provide a detailed analysis of the interconnectedness between various planetary boundaries and how reaching one boundary can trigger a domino effect on others?
Ans – I am happy that you girls have decided to focus this month’s discussion series on the concept of planetary boundaries. Let me try my best to share my thoughts on what I feel is a very important subject – one that we all must try to understand – as our planet’s existence is dependent on us!
The concept or idea was introduced in the mid-2000s by Johan Rockström, the founding director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre. He gathered an interdisciplinary team of scientists to unite behind a single goal: define the boundaries for a “safe operating space for humanity” on Earth. In 2009, the scientists published a report in the journal Nature known as the Planetary boundary’s framework, where they identified nine key processes that are influenced by humanity and threaten the stability of the planet. If we cross these boundaries, it can trigger a domino effect, leading to a doomsday scenario.
These nine planetary boundaries are biosphere integrity, climate change, fresh water changes, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, atmospheric aerosol loading, land system change, introduction of novel and synthetic chemicals into the environment, and biogeological flows of nitrogen through various cycles. Since the publication of the report, scientists have revisited the boundaries and found that we have already breached six of the nine. For example, we have exceeded the CO2 concentration limit of 350 parts per million, with current levels at 417 ppm. Also, forest land area has decreased from the recommended 75% to just 60%, and high levels of nitrogen and nitrous oxide gases contribute to greenhouse gases. If we continue at this rate and breach all nine boundaries, it will be difficult to maintain human life and the environment.
Q2) In a rapidly changing world, what strategies can organizations employ to adapt and remain sustainable in the face of shifting planetary boundaries and climate patterns?
Ans – Since the report came out in 2009, till now we have already breached 6 out of the 9 planetary boundaries. Therefore, we must control and prevent any further breach. But at the same time, to maintain a constant economic growth, the industries also have to play a major role. In our rapidly changing world, organizations can adopt several strategies to remain sustainable in the face of shifting planetary boundaries and climate patterns. To begin with, they should identify and work around the 17 sustainable development goals. Certain factors or initiatives which I feel are most important that the company should look into include: infrastructure imperatives, carbon management, energy efficiency - these companies should be adopting green energy solutions. Water conservation, environment conservation and most importantly circular economy.
What do I mean by circular economy? It is a system of resource utilization. So, what it means is that the economic growth is going to be achieved by reducing, reusing and recycling all our natural resources. Till now, what do most companies do? You have a product- the product is used and after that you simply throw it away. What happens to it? Instead of following this end-of-life concept, they have to incorporate restoration, use renewable resources, use renewable sources of energy, eliminate toxic chemicals, reduce waste and all of these factors have to be taken in when they are designing and using materials for new product development and to build their business models. By adopting these strategies, organizations can contribute to a sustainable future while maintaining economic growth.
Q3) The economics of sustainability often clash with short-term profitability. How can we incentivize businesses to prioritize long-term environmental goals over immediate financial gains?
Ans- So, in the previous question we realized that to achieve sustainability, businesses must adopt methods/initiatives around the 17 sustainable development goals. And because 6 of the 9 planetary boundaries are already breached – this is the need of the hour. We must incorporate/introduce strict protocols which the industry must follow.
I teach a paper known as Green Chemistry, where we are looking at greener alternatives to our regular chemistry synthesis/processes. One of the topics is dedicated to The Presidential Challenge Awards. Whenever certain companies or academic institutions develop new technologies, synthetic methods or products by adopting the various twelve principles of Green Chemistry - they are rewarded for their action, work and innovation. So similarly, I think it is important that not only do we have strict protocols, but the government should also give some type of awards/incentives to such businesses, which will encourage them to adopt these greener practices, so that we can minimize the harm we are inflicting on our planet.
Perhaps someone from the Economics Department may be able to answer this question better, but in terms of my knowledge with Green Chemistry, I think these are some of the solutions that can be adopted.
Q4) Could you share a case where an innovative technology or scientific breakthrough had a significant impact on rectifying planetary boundaries breaches. What were the technological challenges faced in implementing it?
Ans - Out of the nine planetary boundaries, one of them was stratospheric ozone depletion. The depletion of the ozone layer due to massive industrialization was a significant planetary boundary breach that was identified in the 1950s. The industrial revolution led to the release of various greenhouse gases, which resulted in a significant depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer helps to reduce harmful radiation, and its depletion poses a significant danger to the planet. To address this challenge, the Montreal Protocol was established in 1987, which was a collective effort by countries worldwide to cut down the consumption and production of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Norms to control the emissions of ODS was introduced and it was implemented in a gradual manner in different countries, depending on their development status. The Montreal Protocol was a significant breakthrough in addressing the depletion of the ozone layer, and it has resulted in a slow but steady recovery of the ozone layer since its implementation. The protocol is an example of how a collective effort can tackle a significant planetary boundary breach. While the implementation of the Montreal Protocol faced technological challenges, like the production of alternatives to ODS, it was a successful step towards controlling ozone depletion.
Additionally, by educating individuals, especially the younger generation, about sustainable development goals, environmental consciousness has increased. Each small step we adopt would collectively help to rectify other planetary boundary breaches and we can come back to within tolerable limits.
Q5) As a visionary in the field, what do you see as the most promising, yet currently underexplored, green initiatives that have the potential to make a substantial difference in rectifying planetary boundaries breaches?
Ans – As an environment conscious person and a “somewhat expert in this field”, I believe that one of the most promising yet currently underexplored green initiatives is changing our food system. Many of us are not aware that the food industry- particularly the farming or agriculture industry, accounts for 25% of climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the leading drivers of biodiversity loss, the primary cause of land-use change, one of the largest sources of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, and it generates huge freshwater demand. In addition, since food production generates huge amounts of carbon emissions, it also adds to ocean acidification. That covers six of the nine planetary boundaries. To limit these planetary boundaries, we need to adopt innovative methods to control the farming/food industry. By transforming our food system and reducing its impact on the environment, we can significantly contribute to limiting the crossing of planetary boundaries.
Q6) Apart from you being a sassy professor of Miranda House, have you done something sassy to protect the environment?
Ans- Well, I don't know how sassy I am, but thank you for considering me to be one. So, I have been a student of Miranda House where I was part of MH Vatavaran and now that I am a faculty here, I am also an active faculty member of MH Vatavaran. So, environment conservation and protection are something that I am quite passionate about. A concept which I always try to adopt or abide by is: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We must cut down on what we throw away – we must follow the three "R's" and conserve our natural resources and landfill space. In addition, I like to volunteer as much as possible. We do a lot of cleanliness drive in the MH Vatavaran. I like to educate and encourage our students to volunteer become more environment conscious. As far as possible, I try to buy as fewer plastic products as possible. Let's go for natural, reusable, renewable materials. I prefer to use public transport. So that helps me to decrease my carbon footprint. I always have a cloth carry bag that I keep in my bag at all times - so that if I go to any shop, I am not using plastics. These are some “sassy steps” which I follow in my daily life.
Q7) Lastly, do you love plants and if you were to build a garden of your own, what plants would you choose and why?
Ans - If I were to build my own garden, I would choose a variety of plants, ranging from colourful flowering plants to indoor house plants which keeps our air clean and toxin-free. A few flowering plants which I have in my small garden at home include marigold and hibiscuses -as they are vibrant and add colour to the garden. In addition, I have indoor plants such snake plants, spider plants, money plants, aloe vera and palms. I would love to opt for some herbs like mint, basil, and coriander as they are not only useful in the kitchen but also add fragrance. However, it is important to keep in mind the climatic conditions of the region and choose plants accordingly. Native species are always a good option as they require less maintenance and are better adapted to the local climate.
Interviewed by: Aditi Sharma and Prashetha S (MH Vatavaran Volunteers)
Edited by: Aditi Sharma, Nikita Joshi, Tanu Dayal, Tanuja (MH vatavaran Volunteers)
Picture Credit: Nikita Joshi
Recorded by: Tanuja
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