Dear All,

We are delighted to invite you to the fourth talk of the Environmental Studies Colloquium Series Monsoon 2026.

Date & Time: 4th November, 6:30 p.m. (Online)

Topic: A new justice-centric human development classification for the 21st century

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/96037158394?pwd=faI01nDvEqjGHbKM0L2D2C9lP5nrR0.1

Abstract: 

Nordic countries are frequently positioned as the leaders of “sustainable development” but their high resource footprints presents a significant challenge. We propose a refined conceptual framework for sustainable development centring justice. Our analysis identifies Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Sri Lanka as having achieved the highest levels of scalable social progress.

We leverage this framework  to propose a new justice-oriented classification of human development that aligns with current research on environmental limits. This framework offers an alternative to the prevailing conception of a “developed country”, and enables the identification of replicable development models. Its goal is to offer policymakers guidance toward more equitable and sustainable progress in the 21st century.

Speaker's Bio:

Chirag Dhara is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at Krea University. He holds a PhD in Earth Science from the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Germany and a second PhD in Photonics from the Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona, Spain.

Chirag’s work spans sustainability science and policy. Topics of ongoing research include near-term regional and global monsoon projections, regional climate change, climate performance assessments, climate responsibility and finance, human development and inequality, physical limits to growth, and sustainable transitions.

Looking forward to having you join us for the talk.

warm regards,

Environmental Studies Department