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Why in the news?

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) was placed on number 16 among 2019’s ‘top environment policy think tank’ of the world in Global think tank index

What is a Think Tank?

A think tank or public policy research and engagement program institute which performs research and advocacy concerning topics such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, technology, and culture.

Most policy institutes are non-profit organizations , which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax exempt status. Other think tanks are funded by governments, advocacy groups, or corporations, and derive revenue from consulting or research work related to their projects.

, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax exempt status. Other think tanks are funded by governments, advocacy groups, or corporations, and derive revenue from consulting or research work related to their projects. This article lists global policy institutes according to continental categories, and then sub-categories by country within those areas. These listings are not comprehensive, given that more than 7,500 think tanks exist worldwide

Think tank index:

The index is released by university of Pennsylvania each year since 2008

It evaluate public-policy research analysis and engagement organizations that generates policy oriented research, analysis, and advice on domestic and international issues

that generates policy oriented research, analysis, and advice on domestic and international issues Index claims that this reporting are done so that the public and policy makers can make more informed decisions

The 2020 report highlights some of the critical threats and opportunities in the path of global think tanks. The organizations are given a call through the report that organizations should develop their national, regional and global partnership. To be more creative and innovative to attract more people towards your organizations and ideas

and opportunities in the path of global think tanks. The organizations are given a call through the report that organizations should develop their national, regional and global partnership. To be more creative and innovative to attract more people towards your organizations and ideas The advice given by the think tank can be used by the organizations and policy makers

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE):

The organization moved up three places among ‘best independent think tank’ to be at 123 in the world

in the world Globally it was ranked 41 out of 60 organizations committed to energy and resource policy

committed to energy and resource policy It remained at no. 58 among organizations working on science and technology policy in the world- fifth in India

CSE was named the ‘national climate leader’ from India for 2019 in first National Climate Leader Awards Published in the Global spotlight Report

was named the from India for 2019 in first National Climate Leader Awards Published in the Global spotlight Report CSE also received the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for peace , Disarmament and development for 2018 in 2019 for pioneering work on environment and sustainable development’.

, There are four different rankings where CSE has be top ranked: Top water security think tank Top energy and resource policy think tank Top science and technology think tank Best independent think tank It has ranked 18 in 78 global think tank who are working on water security



Work performed by Think tanks:

Communication for awareness

Research and advocacy

Education and training

Knowledge portal

Pollution Monitoring

CSE a Think Tank:

CSE’s first task is to bring such policy which are sustainable in natural resource management i.e. they are looking for environment management so strong public opinion can be made through it e.g. Arsenic used in the water in Uttar Pradesh

CSE also worked in Tiger task force, they also provide queries to the parliamentarians so they can raised the environment related issues in parliament

“down to earth” magazine is produce by CSE, it has one sister Organisation ‘society for environmental communication collaborating them they produce magazine

magazine is produce by CSE, it has one sister Organisation ‘society for environmental communication collaborating them they produce magazine They are very much famous for their research work to release such design that are environment friendly and easy to understandable by everyone, they also advocate the solution given them for environment and economic development, CSE from last 10 year is working on decreasing the air pollution in Delhi

They take their environmental programs till the classroom, eco tours, workshops with teacher and students so that each one and future generation get awareness about the environment related issues and start working to protect environment

It is open source portal of the people to get awareness about the environment related issues

CSE also has pollution monitoring laboratory, it is their independent laboratory and detect the harmful toxic pollutant in the environment

India’s most influential think-tanks:

IDSA- inside the national –security state

ICWA- the diplomatic den

ORF- between government and business

CPR – between academic policy

CCS

ICRIER

Other top players in protecting environment:

The list was topped by Carnegie Endowment for international peace of US, followed by Belgium’s Brueghel and French Institute and French Institute of International Relations (IFRI)

UK’s Chatham House was ranked 6th on the list

Conclusion:

With the ever increasing thrust for knowledge, information, and globalized flow of information, the role of think tanks in bridging gaps between policy and academia, citizens and their governments, research and implementation of effective ideas will only grow. Hope India is up to the challenge of establishing and supporting think tanks as “centers of excellence” as it jostles for space in a fast-paced and interdependent world where those with the best ideas matter most.

Mains oriented question:

Explain the significance of climate diplomacy in India. Also write about the role of India’s Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) environmental think tank in protecting and improving the environment and ecology. (250 words)