Towards Sustainable Futures – serie

This book discusses the continued emphasis on development gains in India’s national policies and its quest to meet sustainable development goals. It offers an analysis of the laws and infrastructure for environment protection in the country and their ineffectiveness in dealing with the water pollution which has had dire consequences on India’s ecological landscape.The book, while highlighting the need and importance of industrial development, argues for sustainable measures to moderate and monitor such developmental efforts in light of severe environmental degradations. Focusing on the state of Gujarat, it looks at published and un-published data on industrial development and water pollution levels and data obtained via applications filed under the Right to Information Act. It also offers a detailed account of the concentration of red industries which release the most hazardous pollutants and their effects on the environment. The authors look at the data from a theoretical and empirical perspective, offering insights into how the checks and balances levied by the state have been violated. They highlight the patterns and trends which emerge from the study of these developmental efforts and underline the need to improve the effectiveness of policy instruments, and the need to diversify the existing mechanisms.The book will be of great interest to students and researchers of environment and development studies, public policy, sociology, law and governance, human ecology and economics.

This book critically analyses the existing condition of cities in developing countries with special reference to planning and infrastructure networks in India. It provides an overview of the nature of opportunities presented by cities; major challenges that cities would face in future; and codifies the ways and means to transcend the challenges of contemporary urban growth and quality of urbanisation. It discusses key themes such as architecture of density, transformation of land-use zones to development zones, development of railway infrastructure, planning and design guidelines for bus rapid transit, and urban water planning and universal access to housing to create an enabling environment for deliberations and a better future for cities in the developing world.The book integrates insights from governance, planning, and design and highlights implications of spatial integration. It brings together current issues in Indian urbanisation, smart technologies used in building smart cities and high-rises, and urban and regional governance to explore forms of sustainable development planning that factor human needs.Accessible and topical, this book will be useful to scholars and researchers of urban studies, urban and city planning, development studies, sociology, public policy and administration, political sociology, anthropology, architecture, geography, and economics, as well as to professionals, planners, policymakers, and non-governmental organisations.

This book critically examines Sustainable Development Goals and cities in developing countries with special reference to climate change, inclusion, diversity, and citizen rights in India. It discusses global issues of sustainability and climate change in the context of rapid urbanisation and focuses on the role of equitable and just processes of urban development aimed at protecting social diversity, redeeming natural environments and, pursuing economic growth geared towards improving the quality of life. The volume looks at the nature of opportunities and future challenges presented to cities and codifies ways to transcend these. It explores key themes such as mitigation of risks from heat island effects, devastating floods, and extreme weather events like droughts; improvement of air quality; compact development; reduction in urban sprawl and protection of agriculturally productive lands for long-term food security; growth of small and medium towns; protection of rural landscapes; access to basic services like water sanitation, primary education, and housing; protection of forest and green spaces for the conservation of biodiversity; renewable energy sources; enhancement of mobility through efficient public transit systems like metro systems or suburban rail; effective and equitable governance for the vulnerable; balanced regional development; inclusive human development; securing the right to the city; and climate risk and resilience. Based on new research and data presented by global experts on climate change and sustainability, this book advances multiple discourses of sustainable urbanisation by connecting social challenges such as democracy, equity, diversity, and inclusion to create an enabling environment for a better future for cities in the developing world. Lucid and topical, this book will be useful to scholars and researchers of urban studies, urban planning, development studies, sociology, public policy and administration, political sociology, city studies, geography, architecture, and economics and also to professionals and NGOs.

This book looks at migration in contemporary society and its interrelations with development. It presents the complexities and dilemmas associated with migration, the changes in theoretical and historical perspectives on migration and development, and the role of policies and the sustainable development goals in this context.The volume views migration as a phenomenon for advancing human development outcomes. It deals with wide-ranging issues including labour migration, the idea of decent work, migration and transnationalism, remittances, social networks and capital, and addressing poverty. The chapters highlight the focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its relevance on migrant rights, safeguarding livelihoods and health. They also offer insights into regional and international co-operation on policies for migration, social growth and protection, and citizenship. With comparative analyses of data, trends and development indicators as well as various case studies, this volume examines the impact of migration on international relations and politics, labour market outcomes, gender, youth and education among others. It also discusses the loss of lives and livelihoods due to the Covid-19 pandemic, its impact on migration and the effects of the pandemic on the contemporary discussions on migration and SDGs.Rich in empirical data, this book will be an excellent read for scholars and researchers of migration and diaspora studies, development studies, refugee studies, public policy and governance, international relations, political studies, political economy, sociology and South Asian Studies.

This book looks at migration in contemporary society and its interrelations with development. It presents the complexities and dilemmas associated with migration, the changes in theoretical and historical perspectives on migration and development, and the role of policies and the sustainable development goals in this context.The volume views migration as a phenomenon for advancing human development outcomes. It deals with wide-ranging issues including labour migration, the idea of decent work, migration and transnationalism, remittances, social networks and capital, and addressing poverty. The chapters highlight the focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its relevance on migrant rights, safeguarding livelihoods and health. They also offer insights into regional and international co-operation on policies for migration, social growth and protection, and citizenship. With comparative analyses of data, trends and development indicators as well as various case studies, this volume examines the impact of migration on international relations and politics, labour market outcomes, gender, youth and education among others. It also discusses the loss of lives and livelihoods due to the Covid-19 pandemic, its impact on migration and the effects of the pandemic on the contemporary discussions on migration and SDGs.Rich in empirical data, this book will be an excellent read for scholars and researchers of migration and diaspora studies, development studies, refugee studies, public policy and governance, international relations, political studies, political economy, sociology and South Asian Studies.

This volume discusses the seminal interface between social entrepreneurship and sustainable development along with their inter-linkages. It traces the role of social entrepreneurship and innovations in societal transformation in creating sustainable societies, especially in developing nations. It explores how social entrepreneurship and enterprise is integral to the promise of fostering opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups (including the poor, women, and young people), as well as in addressing environmental and ecological issues apart from wealth creation. The book presents key concepts, case studies, and multiple innovative models involving social entrepreneurship, such as green financing, serial social entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihood creation, and well-being, in addition to highlighting global sustainable development goals of the United Nations. The chapters are organised under the broad themes of sustainability of the organisation, sustainability of the community, sustainability of the development, and sustainability of the community–organisation interface. They examine social change, social innovation, social enterprise, small and micro-enterprises, microfinance institutions, inclusive growth, education, productivity, physical health, waste management, energy retention, self-reliance, and corporate social responsibility. They contain emerging research issues in the field as well as critical assessments while bringing together theoretical and practitioners’ perspectives.This book will be useful to scholars and researchers of development studies, social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, environmental studies, public policy, and political sociology. It will also greatly interest professionals from non-profit, corporate, and public sectors, other development practitioners, and international bodies.

This volume provides a comprehensive account of the linkages between environment and sustainable development in society from an interdisciplinary perspective. With its case studies from across the world, including countries such as India, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United States, Croatia, Italy, Brazil, Japan, and Kenya, it explores critical environmental issues concerning energy justice, queer ecology, mountain cultures, incarceration, energy strategies, mining tourism, pollution control mechanisms, social impacts of oil and gas production, contract farming, gender mainstreaming, climate change, and droughts and adaptation strategies along with literacy, leisure, well-being, development, sexuality, sustainability and environmental education. The book examines several dimensions within global environment of the adverse impact of developmental activities, discusses sustainable development activities undertaken in contemporary times, and underscores the importance of a just, people-centric policy framework in promoting sustainable development.Lucid and topical, this book will be useful to scholars and researchers of environmental studies, development studies, sustainable development, political studies, sociology, and political economy. It will also interest policymakers, development practitioners, NGOs and think tanks working on environment and sustainable development, climate issues and SDGs.

This volume provides a comprehensive account of the linkages between environment and sustainable development in society from an interdisciplinary perspective. With its case studies from across the world, including countries such as India, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United States, Croatia, Italy, Brazil, Japan, and Kenya, it explores critical environmental issues concerning energy justice, queer ecology, mountain cultures, incarceration, energy strategies, mining tourism, pollution control mechanisms, social impacts of oil and gas production, contract farming, gender mainstreaming, climate change, and droughts and adaptation strategies along with literacy, leisure, well-being, development, sexuality, sustainability and environmental education. The book examines several dimensions within global environment of the adverse impact of developmental activities, discusses sustainable development activities undertaken in contemporary times, and underscores the importance of a just, people-centric policy framework in promoting sustainable development.Lucid and topical, this book will be useful to scholars and researchers of environmental studies, development studies, sustainable development, political studies, sociology, and political economy. It will also interest policymakers, development practitioners, NGOs and think tanks working on environment and sustainable development, climate issues and SDGs.

This book discusses the continued emphasis on development gains in India’s national policies and its quest to meet sustainable development goals. It offers an analysis of the laws and infrastructure for environment protection in the country and their ineffectiveness in dealing with the water pollution which has had dire consequences on India’s ecological landscape.The book, while highlighting the need and importance of industrial development, argues for sustainable measures to moderate and monitor such developmental efforts in light of severe environmental degradations. Focusing on the state of Gujarat, it looks at published and un-published data on industrial development and water pollution levels and data obtained via applications filed under the Right to Information Act. It also offers a detailed account of the concentration of red industries which release the most hazardous pollutants and their effects on the environment. The authors look at the data from a theoretical and empirical perspective, offering insights into how the checks and balances levied by the state have been violated. They highlight the patterns and trends which emerge from the study of these developmental efforts and underline the need to improve the effectiveness of policy instruments, and the need to diversify the existing mechanisms.The book will be of great interest to students and researchers of environment and development studies, public policy, sociology, law and governance, human ecology and economics.

This volume discusses the seminal interface between social entrepreneurship and sustainable development along with their inter-linkages. It traces the role of social entrepreneurship and innovations in societal transformation in creating sustainable societies, especially in developing nations. It explores how social entrepreneurship and enterprise is integral to the promise of fostering opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups (including the poor, women, and young people), as well as in addressing environmental and ecological issues apart from wealth creation. The book presents key concepts, case studies, and multiple innovative models involving social entrepreneurship, such as green financing, serial social entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihood creation, and well-being, in addition to highlighting global sustainable development goals of the United Nations. The chapters are organised under the broad themes of sustainability of the organisation, sustainability of the community, sustainability of the development, and sustainability of the community–organisation interface. They examine social change, social innovation, social enterprise, small and micro-enterprises, microfinance institutions, inclusive growth, education, productivity, physical health, waste management, energy retention, self-reliance, and corporate social responsibility. They contain emerging research issues in the field as well as critical assessments while bringing together theoretical and practitioners’ perspectives.This book will be useful to scholars and researchers of development studies, social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, environmental studies, public policy, and political sociology. It will also greatly interest professionals from non-profit, corporate, and public sectors, other development practitioners, and international bodies.

This book explores Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, providing insights into viable pathways and policy designs for a transition towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities.The volume discusses existing scientific literature on SDG 11 and provides conceptual frameworks relating to systemic transitions, sectoral transitions and behavioural transitions for overcoming challenges related to governance and implementation. Through detailed case studies from cities and settlements, in Europe, Middle East and Asia, it showcases the dynamic processes involved in urban transformations. Drawing from these comparative analyses, the book provides robust frameworks and tools for better solutions and viable pathways to achieve SDG targets in diverse urban settings.Rich in empirical data, this book will be useful for scholars and researchers of development studies, environment studies, urban studies, urban sociology, political economy, political studies, public policy and sociology. It will also be useful for policy makers, professionals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and think tanks working in the area of sustainable development and urban planning.

This book explores Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, providing insights into viable pathways and policy designs for a transition towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities.The volume discusses existing scientific literature on SDG 11 and provides conceptual frameworks relating to systemic transitions, sectoral transitions and behavioural transitions for overcoming challenges related to governance and implementation. Through detailed case studies from cities and settlements, in Europe, Middle East and Asia, it showcases the dynamic processes involved in urban transformations. Drawing from these comparative analyses, the book provides robust frameworks and tools for better solutions and viable pathways to achieve SDG targets in diverse urban settings.Rich in empirical data, this book will be useful for scholars and researchers of development studies, environment studies, urban studies, urban sociology, political economy, political studies, public policy and sociology. It will also be useful for policy makers, professionals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and think tanks working in the area of sustainable development and urban planning.

This volume presents a theoretical and strategic discussion on the linkages between sustainable graduate employability, skill building and economic growth. With case studies from India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Taiwan, England, Germany, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Australia and Asian countries, it looks at the skills training and education landscape around the continents, examines the state of employment, and offers case‑specific recommendations. The book analyses the role of higher education and vocational education policies and strategies in integrating skill training in education in order to achieve quality education and sustainable employment for all.An important critique of skills training, education policy, and employment planning, the volume will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of sustainable development, development studies, public policy, political economy, labour studies, and education. It will also be useful for policymakers.

Decent Work-Life in Business: Essential Tool for Sustainable Development presents a detailed discussion of the concept of decent work-life and its application in business for sustainable development. It discusses decent work-life culture in a business environment. The book makes a strong case for decent work, which not only provides work opportunities but also delivers a fair income, fair treatment, security at the workplace, and social protection for families. With the help of empirical data and statistical indicators, it explores themes such as: ILO and decent work agenda opportunities for work and dignity at work social dimensions of globalization and sustainable development poverty reduction through decent work work-life balance and social protection unacceptable work and social dialogue economic and social context of decent work This book will be an indispensable resource for the students, scholars and teachers of business management and especially those pursuing a career in human resource management. It will also interest scholars of political economy, sociology of work, business management, human resource management, labour studies, public policy, and social anthropology alongside industry experts.

This book critically examines Sustainable Development Goals and cities in developing countries with special reference to climate change, inclusion, diversity, and citizen rights in India. It discusses global issues of sustainability and climate change in the context of rapid urbanisation and focuses on the role of equitable and just processes of urban development aimed at protecting social diversity, redeeming natural environments and, pursuing economic growth geared towards improving the quality of life. The volume looks at the nature of opportunities and future challenges presented to cities and codifies ways to transcend these. It explores key themes such as mitigation of risks from heat island effects, devastating floods, and extreme weather events like droughts; improvement of air quality; compact development; reduction in urban sprawl and protection of agriculturally productive lands for long-term food security; growth of small and medium towns; protection of rural landscapes; access to basic services like water sanitation, primary education, and housing; protection of forest and green spaces for the conservation of biodiversity; renewable energy sources; enhancement of mobility through efficient public transit systems like metro systems or suburban rail; effective and equitable governance for the vulnerable; balanced regional development; inclusive human development; securing the right to the city; and climate risk and resilience. Based on new research and data presented by global experts on climate change and sustainability, this book advances multiple discourses of sustainable urbanisation by connecting social challenges such as democracy, equity, diversity, and inclusion to create an enabling environment for a better future for cities in the developing world. Lucid and topical, this book will be useful to scholars and researchers of urban studies, urban planning, development studies, sociology, public policy and administration, political sociology, city studies, geography, architecture, and economics and also to professionals and NGOs.

This volume presents a theoretical and strategic discussion on the linkages between sustainable graduate employability, skill building and economic growth. With case studies from India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Taiwan, England, Germany, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Australia and Asian countries, it looks at the skills training and education landscape around the continents, examines the state of employment, and offers case‑specific recommendations. The book analyses the role of higher education and vocational education policies and strategies in integrating skill training in education in order to achieve quality education and sustainable employment for all.An important critique of skills training, education policy, and employment planning, the volume will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of sustainable development, development studies, public policy, political economy, labour studies, and education. It will also be useful for policymakers.

This book critically analyses the existing condition of cities in developing countries with special reference to planning and infrastructure networks in India. It provides an overview of the nature of opportunities presented by cities; major challenges that cities would face in future; and codifies the ways and means to transcend the challenges of contemporary urban growth and quality of urbanisation. It discusses key themes such as architecture of density, transformation of land-use zones to development zones, development of railway infrastructure, planning and design guidelines for bus rapid transit, and urban water planning and universal access to housing to create an enabling environment for deliberations and a better future for cities in the developing world.The book integrates insights from governance, planning, and design and highlights implications of spatial integration. It brings together current issues in Indian urbanisation, smart technologies used in building smart cities and high-rises, and urban and regional governance to explore forms of sustainable development planning that factor human needs.Accessible and topical, this book will be useful to scholars and researchers of urban studies, urban and city planning, development studies, sociology, public policy and administration, political sociology, anthropology, architecture, geography, and economics, as well as to professionals, planners, policymakers, and non-governmental organisations.

This book examines how the progress of digital technology is transforming the world of work, skill demand, labour market institutions, and regulations in countries like India. It studies the challenges, opportunities, and current and future contributions of digital technologies. The volume poses salient questions regarding the ICT sector, I4.0 technologies, the gig economy, remote work, and the regulatory environment, and interrogates the policy and regulatory measures needed to promote more inclusive and decent work in the future.Part of the Towards Sustainable Futures series, this book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of economics, sustainable development, sociology of work, labour economics, Indian economy, public policy, and human resource management. It will also be extremely useful to policymakers, government organisations, civil society organisations, and those in the corporate sector.

This book analyses the underlying communication strategies and approaches of grassroots water management practices in India through a case study-based ethnographic approach.Drawing from fieldwork experiences, this volume provides a detailed overview of Parmarth, a not-for-profit NGO, which is the case study for this research. It presents an in-depth theoretically informed analysis of data collected through multiple methods, which includes key informant interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and document reviews, among other approaches.The book examines Parmarth’s strategies and processes to mobilise women as important stakeholders in the region’s water conservation initiatives. It discusses communicative actions, tactics and campaigns in water interventions and the role of various stakeholders ranging from local community members to civil society.Accessibly written, this volume is a must-read for scholars and researchers of media and communication studies, environmental communication, ecology studies, development studies, public policy, sustainable development, water management, sociology, and political science.

This book examines how the progress of digital technology is transforming the world of work, skill demand, labour market institutions, and regulations in countries like India. It studies the challenges, opportunities, and current and future contributions of digital technologies. The volume poses salient questions regarding the ICT sector, I4.0 technologies, the gig economy, remote work, and the regulatory environment, and interrogates the policy and regulatory measures needed to promote more inclusive and decent work in the future.Part of the Towards Sustainable Futures series, this book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of economics, sustainable development, sociology of work, labour economics, Indian economy, public policy, and human resource management. It will also be extremely useful to policymakers, government organisations, civil society organisations, and those in the corporate sector.

This book analyses the underlying communication strategies and approaches of grassroots water management practices in India through a case study-based ethnographic approach.Drawing from fieldwork experiences, this volume provides a detailed overview of Parmarth, a not-for-profit NGO, which is the case study for this research. It presents an in-depth theoretically informed analysis of data collected through multiple methods, which includes key informant interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and document reviews, among other approaches.The book examines Parmarth’s strategies and processes to mobilise women as important stakeholders in the region’s water conservation initiatives. It discusses communicative actions, tactics and campaigns in water interventions and the role of various stakeholders ranging from local community members to civil society.Accessibly written, this volume is a must-read for scholars and researchers of media and communication studies, environmental communication, ecology studies, development studies, public policy, sustainable development, water management, sociology, and political science.

Decent Work-Life in Business: Essential Tool for Sustainable Development presents a detailed discussion of the concept of decent work-life and its application in business for sustainable development. It discusses decent work-life culture in a business environment. The book makes a strong case for decent work, which not only provides work opportunities but also delivers a fair income, fair treatment, security at the workplace, and social protection for families. With the help of empirical data and statistical indicators, it explores themes such as: ILO and decent work agenda opportunities for work and dignity at work social dimensions of globalization and sustainable development poverty reduction through decent work work-life balance and social protection unacceptable work and social dialogue economic and social context of decent work This book will be an indispensable resource for the students, scholars and teachers of business management and especially those pursuing a career in human resource management. It will also interest scholars of political economy, sociology of work, business management, human resource management, labour studies, public policy, and social anthropology alongside industry experts.

This book demonstrates through lucid explanations and practical case studies how agricultural, horticultural and processed food waste—which is frequently perceived as a worldwide burden—can be used to promote sustainable agricultural methods. It demonstrates how these procedures, which encourage resource efficiency and waste reduction, are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This book provides a clear manual for comprehending and using circular agriculture, making it suitable for anybody interested in sustainable solutions, such as policymakers, entrepreneurs, environmentalists and concerned citizens. It will also be of interest to researchers of science and technology, agriculture, law and public policy.