The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sixth assessment report (AR6) of working group 1 — ‘The Physical Science Basis’ has reinforced our worst fears about the state of climate. The signs of climate change have been visible for some time now. Extreme events in different parts of the world — heat waves in North America, floods in Europe and Asia, and droughts in Africa — have left a trail of destruction and death, challenging the disaster management systems in place.

In research, especially, data takes centre stage almost always. Today, use of GIS-based technology at all levels of the project — from design to data collection and management, analysis, mapping and visualisation, storytelling and public engagement, to creating and measuring impact — is indispensable.

India has set an ambitious rooftop solar photovoltaic target of 40 GW by 2021-22. However, with only approximately 6.8 GW installed till date, it looks increasingly difficult to reach the target in less than a year. One of the primary deterrents is the reluctance of distribution companies (discoms) to promote the rooftop solar segment. The finances of most discoms are in a beleaguered state. This is due to free power for agriculture, unmitigated aggregate technical and commercial losses, and failing cross-subsidy regimes.