Faculty Publications

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Scholarly Publications by Integral Academia

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    Resilience & Vulnerability: Concepts and Policy Contexts
    (Springer, Cham, 2024) Syed Shahid Mazhar; Farhina Sardar Khan; Prateek Srivastava; Ambrina Sardar Khan
    Climate change is an unparalleled global challenge, with profound implications for the environment, societies, and economies. As the Earth’s climate continues to evolve, the twin concepts of resilience and vulnerability have emerged as essential lenses through which to understand and address its complex, multifaceted impacts. This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of these critical concepts, alongside a detailed analysis of the policy frameworks and strategies that underpin the global response to climate change. The foundation of this chapter lies in a meticulous examination of the evolving climate landscape, the intricate web of factors contributing to climate change and its far-reaching impacts. Setting the stage for the urgent need for resilience and vulnerability assessments. We then delve deeply into the concept of resilience, dissecting its multifaceted nature by encompassing not only ecological aspects but also social and economic dimensions. We elucidate the methodologies for assessing and measuring resilience, essential for informed policy development. Vulnerability, another key concept, is scrutinized with equal rigor. We explore established frameworks and methodologies for assessing vulnerability, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the existing tools available to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. Drawing upon the rich tapestry of Indian and international research, the chapter explores the specific challenges and vulnerabilities faced by India in the context of climate change. Case studies and empirical evidence from India provide real-world insights into the complexities of resilience and vulnerability, offering valuable lessons for both national and international audiences. Internationally, the chapter conducts a comparative analysis, revealing how different countries face unique climate challenges and employ a myriad of strategies to address resilience and vulnerability. It explores the significance of international agreements and frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework, in shaping the global response to climate change. The chapter highlights the emerging trends in climate research and policy development, discussing evolving paradigms and innovative solutions. It also highlights the ongoing challenges that require concerted global efforts. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the fundamental concepts of resilience and vulnerability in the context of climate change. It presents a wealth of scientific knowledge, empirical evidence, and policy insights from India and around the world. By advancing our understanding of these concepts and their policy implications, it equips readers with the knowledge needed to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time – climate change.
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    Particle Pollution and Health – Risk and Resilience Evaluation
    (Springer, Cham, 2024) Ambrina Sardar Khan; Prateek Srivastava
    Particle pollution, commonly referred to as particulate matter (PM), is a multifaceted assemblage of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended within the atmosphere. These particles emanate from diverse sources, encompassing vehicular emissions, industrial processes, construction activities, and natural contributors like dust and pollen (Guan et al., Environ Pollut 230:189–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.045, 2017). The variegated composition and size distribution of these particles bestow upon them a spectrum of effects on human health and the environment (Katsouyanni et al., J Epidemiol Community Health 50(Suppl 1):S12–S18, 1996). The study provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between particle pollution and its multifarious impacts on human health, with a specific focus on the rigorous evaluation of associated risks and the strategic development of resilience (Kumar and Mishra, J Transp Health 10:132–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2018.05.013, 2018). Empirical research consistently highlights a robust link between heightened exposure to particle pollution and an array of deleterious health outcomes. These effects span both short-term and long-term dimensions (Katsouyanni et al., J Epidemiol Community Health 50(Suppl 1):S12–S18, 1996). In the short term, exposure to escalated levels of particle pollution is correlated with the exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, thereby leading to a notable upsurge in hospital admissions and mortality rates. Over protracted periods, persistent exposure to particle pollution has been causally connected to chronic respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, and even neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, certain segments of the population, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health vulnerabilities, demonstrate heightened susceptibility to the detrimental impacts of particle pollution. The evaluation of risks associated with particle pollution necessitates a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, encompassing various scientific methodologies. This includes the undertaking of rigorous epidemiological studies to elucidate the intricate relationships between particle exposure and diverse health outcomes. Concurrently, toxicological investigations are pivotal in uncovering the mechanistic underpinnings of these effects at the cellular and molecular levels. Moreover, the establishment and enforcement of stringent air quality standards and regulations by governmental bodies assume paramount importance in mitigating exposure levels and curtailing associated health risks. However, persistent challenges persist in elucidating the intricate composition and sourcing of particulate matter, as well as in forecasting its intricate dispersion dynamics and exposure patterns across diverse and dynamic environmental contexts (Guan et al., Environ Pollut 230:189–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.045, 2017). In response to these challenges, the paradigm of resilience emerges as a pivotal framework for enhancing societies’ adaptive capacity in the face of particle pollution-induced health challenges. The construct of resilience entails the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies that seamlessly integrate urban planning, judicious public health interventions, and cutting-edge technological innovations. Such strategies encompass the integration of green infrastructure to mitigate pollution, the optimization of transportation systems to minimize emissions, and the establishment of real-time air quality monitoring networks to enable timely and informed responses. Furthermore, nurturing resilience at both individual and communal levels necessitates the dissemination of accurate and actionable information concerning air quality and the adoption of health-protective measures (Argyroudis et al., Reliab Eng Syst Saf 191:106567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2019.106567, 2019; Akiyama et al., Struct Infrastruct Eng 16(1):26–50, 2020).