Clear Cut Magazine

Semi-arid grassland ecosystem in India supporting soil health and climate resilience

Beyond “Wastelands”: India’s Grasslands and Semi-Arid Soils Matter More Than Ever

This World Soil Day, India’s changing perception of its so-called “wastelands” offers life-changing lessons. Soil health is a lens through which ecological, social and climatic interdependencies are exposed rather than just a measure of agricultural performance. India’s semi-arid grasslands and savannahs have suffered for over a century. It is due to the detrimental colonial legacy…

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Transforming Indian Cities: Integrated, Inclusive, and Sustainable Urban Transport

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 calls for making cities inclusive, safe, climate resilient, sustainable and inclusive. Urban mobility has become a top goal for cities around the world. This objective is strongly related to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of India agreed under the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda (NUA), which together…

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Beyond Belem: What COP30 Means for Transforming Rural India

The conclusion of COP30 in Belém marks a decisive moment for India’s rural development sector. For the first time, global climate negotiations placed local resilience, nature-based livelihoods and community-led adaptation at the centre of the climate transition narrative. This shift creates both an opportunity and a responsibility for NGOs in India, particularly those working with…

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EU Rejects India’s Bid for Carbon Border Tax Exemption: What the Decision Really Means

The European Union has just ruled out an exemption for India from its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism-the new climate-linked tariff that will tax carbon-intensive imports coming into the bloc. The news, reported in the Financial Times on 16 November 2025, affects some of the most trade-dependent industries in India, like steel, aluminium, cement and fertilizers….

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India at COP30: From Climate Ambition to Climate Delivery for Global Climate Action

As climate negotiations enter a new decade, COP30 in Belém, Brazil, has emerged as a defining moment for global climate governance. India presented a strong and forward-thinking climate position at the High-Level Segment, one that combines local resilience, global equity, and national ambition. Three reinforcing pillars- implementation, justice, and decentralised climate leadership can be used…

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