Manu V. Mathai

Biography

Manu researches and teaches about the intersection of energy, environment and human development policy questions, with a focus on technology choice and norms of human well-being and economic development amenable to greater fairness on a shared and finite planet. In terms of methodology, his interdisciplinary training in the social and natural sciences have rendered him appreciative of an inclusive approach. Prior to APU, Manu worked at the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS), the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Delaware Center for Energy and Environmental Policy. His teaching areas are Ecology and development; Energy, environment and social change; Sustainability in planning and practice .

Research Interest

"Present research interests include a critical scrutiny of Green Growth and Green Economy narratives and an exploration and synthesis of evidence, ideas and approaches for building an enabling context for existing low-carbon realities. Manu's earlier work has included a study of India's economic development discourse and its proposal of civilian nuclear power as a ""green"" alternative. He has attempted to articulate the idea of ""sustainable structures of living together"" by drawing on diverse literatures including STS, development studies and energy policy and planning. Manu was an early student of extending the human development and capability approach to address questions of environmental sustainability. Other completed projects include a review of the global status of solar energy technologies, policies and markets; research and advocacy around environmental and energy justice issues in Wilmington, Delaware (USA); and a study of the effects of human use of dry-deciduous forests (of Panna National Park) on the distribution of tiger prey species within the habitat."