PREAMBLE AND SCOPE
Globally industrial production and energy consumption are outpacing the renewal capacity of natural resources and the capacity of governments to manage pollution and wastes. Industrial growth indeed has helped raise tens of millions of people out of poverty in many countries. However, it is evident that economic growth and urbanization have not come without a price. This phenomenon has adversely burdened the environment and urban services, including recycling systems, waste water treatment and sewage systems, drainage, water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management. Such deficiencies inhibit economic growth, place further stress on natural systems, and damage public health and the investment climate. The poor are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and lack of access to clean, affordable energy services. Intensified competition for scarce resources, including energy and water, may not only amplify conflicts within the industrial context but will further intensify already worrying trends of environmental degradation. Resource efficiency and low-carbon economic development can thus lessen the pressures and help to avert some important root causes of social conflict.
A platform to address the relevant issues and provide Integrated, indigenous solutions Is required urgently. The School of Energy Studies jointly with the Department of Environmental Science, University of Pune therefore takes the initiative to provide such a platform through a National Conference on Energy and Environment. 2014 (NC2E-2014) to debate various issues related to energy and environment. The theme of the conference is "Energy and environment security through science and technology - developing cutting edge processes and materials". The three days national conference on energy and environment from 20th to 22nd February 2014 will take review of the existing polities and address the development of new and emerging materials, technologies and applications in energy and environment industries. Furthermore, it is expected that the NC2E-2014 will provide an exclusive forum for intellectually stimulating and engaging interactions amongst the leading scientists, engineers and, entrepreneurs. This will result into tremendous interest globally among institutions keen to have collaborative developments of materials and systems related to technology for energy and environment sector The academia-industry interaction will further help in enriching the existing curriculum and developing human resource to complement the industrial needs and provide key inputs to the policy makers for necessary reforms.
Energy efficiency and demand management with production at user point, waste water treatment, materials and management, rehabilitation of contaminated land, green housing, product technology development as applicable to strategic sectors will remain the focus areas. These apparently diverse topics need connectivity of scientist, engineers and technologist. The aim of this conference is to bring these together and motivate the youngsters to join the 'Green Revolution'.