In a significant step towards addressing climate change and promoting global sustainability, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Government of India have announced a co-funded £19.4 million package aimed at tackling critical environmental and climate-related challenges. Officially launched on 4 September 2024, this partnership underscores the growing cooperation between two scientific powerhouses in areas such as farmed animal health, geohazard research, and innovations in sustainable materials, manufacturing, and power electronics.
At the announcement event in New Delhi, British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, emphasized the long-standing scientific ties between the two countries, remarking, “The breadth of these awards is a tribute to the nature of the UK-India partnership, addressing challenges ranging from understanding geohazards to transforming our industries for a sustainable future.” The collaboration between UKRI councils and various Indian government departments is seen as a key step in addressing climate change through research, innovation, and sustainable solutions.
Tackling Climate Change through Sustainable Farming Practices
One of the core pillars of this UK-India partnership is improving the health and welfare of farmed animals—a vital component of sustainable agriculture. With a joint investment of £8.9 million from UKRI’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the initiative aims to develop sustainable farming practices that reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture. These projects also address the broader issue of food security, which is becoming more urgent in the face of climate change.
The seven projects under this initiative include research into drug-resistant infections in livestock and efforts to mitigate the spread of diseases such as bovine tuberculosis and lumpy skin disease. For instance, a project led by Professor Ian Jones of the University of Reading and Dr. Bappaditya Dey from the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology in Hyderabad focuses on reducing drug resistance in bovine TB. Such research is critical in minimizing the environmental impact of livestock farming by improving animal health, reducing the need for antibiotics, and enhancing overall sustainability in agriculture.
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT, highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort, noting, “Sustainable agriculture is a cornerstone of our efforts to combat climate change. By improving the health of farmed animals, we not only enhance food security but also contribute to a more sustainable global food chain.” The focus on developing sustainable farming practices aligns with the broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, a key sector responsible for significant methane and CO2 emissions worldwide.
Understanding Geohazards in a Changing Climate
Climate change has increased the frequency and severity of natural disasters, making it essential to deepen our understanding of geohazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. The £8.5 million joint research initiative between India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and UKRI’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) focuses on these geohazards, particularly in regions vulnerable to such events, including India and its neighboring countries.
One of the key projects, led by Professor Alex Copley from the University of Cambridge and Professor Supriyo Mitra from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), aims to enhance earthquake hazard resilience in India. The research seeks to quantify risks and develop community-centered mitigation strategies, contributing to climate adaptation by increasing the resilience of vulnerable populations and infrastructure. As climate change exacerbates extreme weather events and natural disasters, understanding geohazards is becoming an increasingly critical element of climate resilience strategies.
Secretary of the MoES, Dr. M. Ravichandran, stressed the role of collaborative research in mitigating climate risks, saying, “Geohazards are intensifying due to climate change, and their impact is increasingly devastating. Through this partnership, we can deepen our understanding of these risks and develop solutions that protect communities and ecosystems.” The projects funded under this initiative not only address the immediate threat posed by natural disasters but also contribute to long-term climate adaptation strategies.
Innovations in Sustainable Materials and Power Electronics
The third key area of the UK-India research collaboration focuses on developing innovations in sustainable materials, manufacturing, and power electronics—critical areas for reducing industrial carbon footprints and promoting circular economies. Under the Industrial Collaborative Research and Development for Sustainability (CR&D) programme, a £2 million joint initiative between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Innovate UK, several projects have been launched to advance industrial sustainability.
One such project, “Sustainable biogas plants via valorization of digestate through solar drying” (SuBiDi), co-led by COOLSKY LTD in the UK and NDDB Mrida Ltd in India, focuses on optimizing biogas production from agricultural waste. This initiative aligns with global efforts to decarbonize the energy sector by promoting renewable energy sources. Another project, “Digitalized and Sustainable Approaches for Reusing, Repairing, Recycling Permanent Magnets from Electronic Wastes” (PermMag-DiSARE), seeks to reduce electronic waste by creating circular systems for reusing critical materials—a key aspect of achieving industrial sustainability.
DST Secretary, Professor Abhay Karandikar, emphasized India’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions and meeting climate targets, stating, “We are committed to achieving our climate change goals, and these collaborative projects with the UK will drive innovation in sustainable materials and energy efficiency.” The focus on industrial sustainability reflects the broader aim of both nations to reduce emissions across sectors, in line with global climate agreements such as the Paris Accord.
Climate Insider Analysis
The UK-India research partnership marks a significant step in advancing global efforts to combat climate change. By addressing critical areas such as sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and industrial sustainability, this collaboration has the potential to deliver tangible solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. The joint investment of £19.4 million not only reflects the commitment of both nations to advancing scientific research but also sets the stage for future breakthroughs in sustainability and climate resilience.
In the short term, the partnership is expected to drive innovation in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable farming, and climate risk mitigation. The collaborative projects serve as a model for how international partnerships can accelerate progress toward achieving climate goals. By pooling resources and expertise, the UK and India can address shared challenges more effectively, particularly in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, which are key contributors to global emissions.
Looking ahead, this partnership could have far-reaching impacts, not only for the UK and India but also for the global community. As climate change continues to pose unprecedented risks, the research and innovations developed through this collaboration could be scaled up and adapted for use in other regions facing similar challenges. In this context, the UK-India research initiative represents a critical step forward in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Featured Image: Credit UKRI
