Publications

Green Port Performance Index (GPPI) Measuring Progress, Powering Green Transformation

Policy brief
| May 14, 2026

The Green Port Performance Index (GPPI), launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is a strategic framework to evaluate and enhance the environmental performance of Indian ports. Aligned with India’s Nationally Determined Contribution and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, it supports the nation’s transition to carbon-neutral and resilient maritime operations. The GPPI assesses ports through 13 indicators grouped under three objectives, Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Ecosystem Vitality emphasizing measurable, outcome-based results.

Preserving traditional land use through new livelihood methods in Zunheboto, Nagaland, India: Satoyama approach

Policy brief
| May 14, 2026

TERI is implementing a research project that seeks to protect and revitalise traditional land-use systems while opening new livelihood pathways for indigenous communities in Nagaland.Funded by the Japan Fund for Global Environment (JFGE) and implemented in partnership with Value Network Ventures (VNV) and the Mountains to Mangroves (MTM) Programme, the project draws inspiration from the global Satoyama Initiative.The project is being implemented in the villages of Sukhai, Kivikhu, and Ghukhuyi in Zunheboto District, Nagaland, where communities have l

Research Study on Retailer Behaviour and Psychology towards Returning Rigid Plastic Containers for Reuse

Policy brief
| May 13, 2026

This study examines the behavioural, perceptual, and operational factors influencing retailers, wholesalers, and distributors in returning rigid plastic containers for reuse, in line with India’s Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules and reuse targets. Conducted across six cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Dehradun, the research highlights that while rigid plastic packaging is widely preferred due to its durability, safety, and ease of handling, its effective recovery through formal reverse logistics systems remains limited.

Advanced Green Fuels for Maritime Application-Road Map for India

Policy brief
| May 13, 2026

The report provides a comprehensive overview of global trends in alternative shipping fuel adoption and maritime energy transition, based on an analysis of over 120,000 vessels.

Study of occurrence, abundance, and characterization of microplastics in wastewater treatment plant in New Delhi, India

Research Paper
| May 13, 2026

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered the most significant contributors to microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic ecosystems. MPs are defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size that are difficult to remove by WWTPs, posing risks to aquatic life, human health, and the overall ecosystem. This study investigates the prevalence of MPs in influent wastewater, treated effluent water, and sludge from WWTP. The samples were collected from Keshopur WWTP in New Delhi, whose effluents flows into the Yamuna River via Najafgarh drain.

Study on Implementation of Compensatory Afforestation in India

Policy brief
| May 12, 2026

This report presents an evaluation of the concept of Compensatory Afforestation and its implementation across various states in India, offering insights into the current status, achievements, and challenges associated with this crucial environmental initiative. The analysis begins with an exploration of the policy and legal frameworks that govern compensatory afforestation in India. Despite having comprehensive guidelines, significant gaps remain betweenpolicy directives and their actual implementation.

Artificial intelligence for restoring land: A review of land degradation mapping, climate change prediction and ecosystem service valuation

Research Paper
| May 11, 2026

Land degradation, climate change, and declining ecosystem services are increasingly interconnected challenges that threaten ecological integrity, agricultural productivity, and livelihood security across vulnerable landscapes. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing, geospatial analytics, and large environmental datasets are reshaping the way these challenges can be assessed, predicted, and managed.

Treethane in the Caulosphere: Unexplored Mechanisms and Climate Implication

Article
| May 7, 2026

Out of over 3 trillion trees globally, more than 40% occur in (sub)tropical settings that contribute to two-thirds of all natural CH4 emissions.

Future trends in short-duration rainfall: A statistical analysis using bias-corrected GCM ensembles

Research Paper
| May 1, 2026

High-intensity, short-duration rainfall can cause significant losses. These events are influenced by intricate and interrelated hydro-climatic interactions that are being modified due to climate change. These alternations in rainfall need to be accounted for in future development and design of hydrological systems. Climate model projections have been the primary tools for providing crucial information about the future climate.

Critical Mineral Security: The Circular Pathway

Policy brief
| April 29, 2026

This white paper seeks to reframe electronic waste (e-waste) not merely as an environmental challenge, but as a strategic opportunity for India’s resource and economic future. As the country accelerates its transition toward clean energy systems and digital expansion, the demand for critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements—is set to rise sharply.