‘Climate change collective concern, need public awareness at grassroots for safer tomorrow’

Srinagar, Sep 02: To equip participants with advanced knowledge and skills in Glaciology, focussing on addressing the critical challenges posed by climate change, the University of Kashmir (KU), under its Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Glacial Studies in the Western Himalaya, inaugurated its second capacity building programme in Glaciology here Monday.

The three-week event is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India (GoI). In her inaugural address, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and contributing to preserve and protect natural resources.

“Climate change is a collective concern and needs to be highlighted through public awareness at the grassroots level for a safer tomorrow. We must remain vigilant as academicians, researchers and students, contributing in every way possible to preserve and protect our natural resources,” she reiterated.

Speaking on the objectives of the programme, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Coordinator of the programme, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, underscored the importance of generating human resources in Glaciology and developing expertise in the field.

“The cryosphere is vital for sustaining food, energy and water security at the national level. Climate change is impacting every aspect of human life and the environment, making it imperative to develop expertise in this field,” Prof Romshoo said.

KU Dean Research, Prof M Sultan Bhat, highlighted the contributions of the CoE for Glacial Studies.

Appreciating KU for the initiative, Scientist at the Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology Division, DST, GoI, Dr Swati Jain, said, “the hydrological importance of the Himalayan glaciers cannot be overstated.”

More than 20 delegates from various universities and institutions across the country are participating in the programme, who will engage in lectures, project work and hands-on training over the next three weeks.