Capacity Building Programme on 'Adaptation to Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation' held at Central University of Punjab

Bathinda, March 28, 2024: Under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the Department of Environmental Science and Technology, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Central University of Punjab, in collaboration with Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) and Department of Science and Technology (DST), organized a Capacity Building Programme on 'Adaptation to Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation' on Thursday.

The keynote speaker and distinguished speaker of this programme were Major Dr. Gulshan Sharma (Retd.), Director-General, Chamber for Service Industry (CSI) and Er. Sachchidanand Singh, Scientist-B, WHRC-Jammu, National Institute of Hydrology, respectively.

Er. Sachchidanand Singh emphasized that climate change is one of the most pervasive and threatening issues of our time, with far-reaching impacts in the 21st century. He discussed the causes of flash floods and droughts, highlighting the increase in sea levels that is already putting ecosystems under stress and affecting human well-being. He underscored the importance of reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The keynote speaker Major Dr. Gulshan Sharma, in his address, focused his talk on Adaptation to Climate Change. He mentioned that people living in urban areas and metropolitan cities need to take inspiration from people living in northeast India, as they have maintained the natural beauty of their region. He stated that every individual needs to put effort into environmental conservation to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved by promoting the use of renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency in industries and transportation, afforestation and reforestation efforts, promoting sustainable agriculture, deploying technologies to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and power plants, promoting low-carbon transportation methods, implementing strategies for recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy conversion, adopting climate-friendly policies, and raising public awareness and education on the issue.

Dr. Sharma also emphasized the need to promote the concept of nature tourism through the establishment of natural habitats and the development of manpower to serve in this sector. He suggested the introduction of academic programs such as an MBA in Nature Tourism. This initiative will not only strengthen our economy but also encourage us to preserve our natural ecology.

Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the Vice-Chancellor, in his presidential address, stated that our ancient culture and Indian Knowledge System have always guided us to adopt sustainable lifestyle practices and conserve our environment. He exhorted that the challenge of Climate Change can only be resolved through the development of innovative solutions for the optimal utilization of renewable energy resources and effective implementation of strategies to mitigate greenhouse gases.

At the outset, Dr. Yogalakshmi K.N., Dean, School of Environment and Earth Sciences and Head, Dept. of EVST, welcomed the participants. Dr. Sunil Mittal, Associate Professor and Programme Coordinator, Dept. of EVST, while introducing the program theme, stated that this program aims to address the issue of climate change by spreading awareness about the adoption of national strategies to mitigate greenhouse gases and reduce carbon footprint. Dr. Shruti Kanga, Head, Dept. of Geography, introduced the keynote speaker. Towards the end, Dr. Dhanya M.S., gave the formal vote of thanks. Faculty and students from different departments attended this event.