India and Africa: A Shared Future on Environmental Issues

10 Pages Posted: 24 May 2016

See all articles by Francis Kuriakose

Francis Kuriakose

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Deepa Kylasam Iyer

Cornell University - School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Date Written: May 23, 2016

Abstract

The paper sketches the history of environmentalism by tracing the contours of the post industrialised world. The pantheistic relationship between man and nature was seriously compromised and their interaction became complicated by increasing inequality and poverty of the working classes and the political repression of the colonies. New approaches and responses came from the western imperial powers even as the struggle for independence in many colonies simultaneously paved way for alternate voices of environmentalism from the poor and subjugated. This paper compares the environmental problems and approaches that have come from India and Africa. Similarity in topography and the cultural responses to alienation from nature has led to the emergence of a cooperative program in environmentalism for a shared future. The paper suggests a policy for both regions that look towards a sustainable future through rural reconstruction, improved democratic participation from the villagers and forest dwellers by utilising innovative science while respecting indigenous knowledge.

Keywords: Environmentalism, Development, Public Policy, India, Africa

JEL Classification: N57, Q24, Q32, Z00

Suggested Citation

Kuriakose, Francis and Kylasam Iyer, Deepa, India and Africa: A Shared Future on Environmental Issues (May 23, 2016). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2783354 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2783354

Francis Kuriakose (Contact Author)

Erasmus University Rotterdam ( email )

Burgemeester Oudlaan 50
Rotterdam, 3062
Netherlands

Deepa Kylasam Iyer

Cornell University - School of Industrial and Labor Relations ( email )

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