The world wants India to remain an import-based economy. Then India can be a dumping ground where gold can be dumped and other commodities such as oil and gas. They look at India as a huge market.

Environmental activism against the resource industry is widespread all over the world, but at the same time we have to realise that these are basic materials on which civilisation depends. We need to tap natural resources in a sustainable manner.

One of the most important lessons we can glean from the environmental movement is to 'think globally and act locally.'

I don't like to talk about sustainability, because sometimes I see green buildings that don't appear any different from those in the past.

I live in Dublin, God knows why. There are greatly more congenial places I could have settled in - Italy, France, Manhattan - but I like the climate here, and Irish light seems to be essential for me and for my writing.

It is not a problem - you don't think about the climate, or the cold; we just think about winning the game.