Q uote
Our Earth is more than just land, water, and sky. It is a complex physi-
co-chemical system, where the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and
biosphere are deeply intertwined. Every process, from the carbon cycle to
ocean circulation, is part of a dynamic, balanced network. When we alter one
part of this system, even slightly, the effects ripple outward. Often, these
changes aren’t immediate because Earth’s systems have a large inertia, but
once they respond, the consequences are profound and far-reaching.
For example, when we burn fossil fuels, we emit carbon dioxide and particu-
late matter into the atmosphere. While these may seem invisible or benign at
first, they accumulate, altering the planet’s radiative balance, intensifying the
greenhouse effect, and driving long-term shifts in climate. These changes
manifest slowly, through rising global temperatures, sea level rise, and ecosystem disruptions, a phenomenon scien-
tists refer to as a lagged response. Even more concerning is what’s known as hysteresis: where the path to damage
is fast, but recovery is painfully slow, or sometimes irreversible. Antarctica’s melting ice is a clear example. Scien-
tists now believe we've passed a tipping point, where natural feedbacks (like reduced albedo) will continue the
melting, even if emissions are drastically reduced. The resulting sea level rise could take centuries to play out, but
millennia to reverse.
This World Environment Day, let’s recognise that every action, however small, feeds into this larger system. The
Earth gives us stability, sustenance, and life. In return, it asks only for awareness, restraint, and care.
Dr. Rohan Dutta
Associate Professor
ANANT NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Earth’s Delicate Balance:
Understanding Our Impact
on a Complex System
S Energy is the engine of human progress, and today, it must also become
the foundation of environmental restoration. On World Environment Day
2025, we must confront the fact that business-as-usual is no longer viable.
The challenge before us is not just technological, but deeply systemic. We
need an energy transition that is swift and scalable, but also just, inclusive,
and durable. Future-proof energy systems must be designed to minimize
environmental impact while maximizing human potential. This means
planning for resilience, designing with nature in mind, and putting people,
especially vulnerable communities, at the heart of the transition. The opportu-
nity before us is historic: to redefine growth in terms of harmony, not
exploitation. The choices we make today will determine whether we inherit a
livable planet or leave behind a legacy of missed chances.
Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary
Chairman & Managing Director
VIKRAM SOLAR
Redefining Energy: A Just and Inclusive
Transition for a Sustainable Future
28 | June 2025 | www.industrialoutlook.in