Bhubaneswar : Odisha BJD MP Kalikesh Singhdeo joins Energy Policy Institute at University of Chicago as a distinguished visiting fellow . Kalikesh Deo, who has led much of India’s climate efforts, joins EPIC as a distinguished visiting fellow this spring quarter. While at the University, Deo will teach a class with Anant Sudarshan, EPIC’s South Asia Director and a lecturer at Harris Public Policy. Through the class, ‘Energy in the Developing World,’ and other activities while on campus, Deo will bring firsthand experience of one of the world’s largest economies to faculty, students and the wider university community.
“Kalikesh is one of the foremost climate leaders in India, advancing an agenda that will make a big impact in reducing emissions while balancing the needs of the growing economy,” says EPIC Director Michael Greenstone, the Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor in Economics, the College and the Harris School. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from his insight and to have him as part of the University of Chicago community.”
Deo is a member of the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Petroleum & Natural Gas. As a champion in confronting climate change and building low-carbon development, he initiated debate on a national clean energy fund in India and introduced one of the first bills on climate change in the Indian Parliament in 2012. Before being elected, he worked in investment banking and with the energy company Enron.
“I’m excited to be spending time at the University of Chicago and EPIC, where the mission is not just to conduct robust, data-driven research, but to ensure that research informs policy discussions around the world,” says Deo. “I have already learned so much from my time interacting with the faculty here and look forward to further sharing my experience and insight with the faculty and students.”
In his class, students will explore the pervasive energy poverty of poor countries and its impact on the local economy, as well as the need to balance increasing energy access with efforts to reduce pollution and confront climate change. During his time on campus, Deo will also participate in workshops and public discussions, as well as serve as a resource for students and faculty more broadly.
Comments are closed.