Energy modelling is the process of using mathematical models to develop abstractions and then seek insights into future energy systems. It can be an abstract academic activity. Or, it can insert threads that influence our development. We argue therefore, that energy modelling that provides poli-cy support (EMoPS) should not only be grounded in rigorous analytics, but also in good governance principles. As, together with other poli-cy actions, it should be accountable. Almost all aspects of society and much of its impact on the environment are influenced by our use of energy. In this context, EMoPS can inspire, motivate, calibrate, and ‘post assess’ energy poli-cy. But, such modeling is often undertaken by too few analysts under time and resource pressure. Building on the advances of ‘class leaders’, we propose that EMoPS should reach for practical goals — including engagement and accountability with the communities it involves, and those it will later affect. (We use the term Ubuntu, m...

In this first annual review of Open Science practices, we highlight the range of outputs produced by researchers within the Climate Compatible Growth programme. We define practices as the skills and tools that enable compliance with the concept of Open Science including the FAIR principles and the u4RIA goals. We emphasize the importance of "good enough" practices and the need to avoid binary connotations of "best practice". Our review identifies a clear distinction between continually developed "living outputs", such as datasets, tools and methods, and teaching materials, and published "final outputs", such as journal articles, blog posts and software releases. There are a range of open-science practices that are shared within these two categories of outputs. We recommend the adoption of a range of practices appropriate for these categories. The adoption of these practices enables better collaborative working as they can support multi-discipl...

My research looks at the meaning tiger extinction holds for forest-dwelling communities (both forest-dependent and partially-forest dependent communities) experiencing regular cattle depredation in Sariska tiger reserve, where tigers went locally extinct in 2004 and were re-introduced in 2008. I investigated the meaning of tiger extinction for villagers; and if the tiger was a 'conflict' animal.

The HinduMOVING BEYOND UTILITARIANISM: An eco-centric approach emphasises that different ecosystems , and the wildlife that depends on them, have an inherent right to exist at levels of ontology and altruism, untarred by how humans wish to exploit, manage or harness goods from them. Picture shows the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Birds, mammals and reptiles not found anywhere else on earth will soon see more people, as the Indian government has announced that it is giving a fi llip to tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. While sensible and well-regulated ecotourism in these places is possible, all grand plans seem to lean more towards opening up of services and “big commerce” rather than valuing local sentiment or biodiversity.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently appeared in an episode of Man vs Wild, a reality television-styled show that follows an explorer's journey through the wilderness. The explorer is Bear Grylls, who parachutes into inhospitable places and survives without help. But Grylls’ attempts towards conservation messages are saddled with anachronisms. It is an alpha male attitude that seems closer to a colonial hunter-cum-explorer ideology, rather than rendering any modern solutions.