On the occasion of Earth Day 2020, a webinar was organized by , Amity Institute of Environmental ToxicologySafety and Management and Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences on “Climate Action for Sustainable Planet”. Sensitising students, faculty and stakeholders about importance of sustainable development for Earth, the webinar held importance as in current scenario as the world is facing sustainability challenges along with earth, pollution, climate change, compounded by the effects of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation.
Talking to the students about ‘Microbes and Climate Change’, Professor R. Baskar, FGS (Ind), FGGS, Chairperson, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology shared how occurrence of COVID-19 has resulted in the complete reorganisation of how we work, travel and socialize. “Moments of crisis can be converted to moments of opportunity. We could rebuild our society and economy and shift to a more sustainable economy,” he said.
Dr Rasik Ravindra, Former Director National Centre for Polar and Oceanic Research shared his views on ‘The Climate Challenge: Are we ready?’ and talked about the impact of climate change on land, oceans, Arctic Sea ice loss and changes in monsoon pattern. Talking about climate challenge on Biodiversity, Dr. Ravindra said, “Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change are affecting plant species’ distribution. High altitude mountain vegetation is particularly at risk because it is impossible for species growing near the summits to migrate to higher altitudes”.
Professor Umesh Kulshrestha, Dean, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University talked about ‘COVID-19 Lockdown Scenario: A Confirmation of Industry Driven Climate Change in the Present Era’. He shared, “The COVID_19 global lockdown is a confirmation that the fossil fuel burning is really responsible for the present global warming and climate change. Observations of the COVID-19 period will reduce uncertainties for Medium and Low confidence factors – Short-lived gases and aerosols. After the lockdown, the industry should start under controlled emissions,” suggested Professor Kulshreshtha.
The webinar was moderated by Prof (Dr.) Tanu Jindal, Group Additional Pro Vice Chancellor (R&D) and Director, Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences & Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management. The interactive webinar had the experts responding to a number of queries of students on climate change.
Talking about ‘Sustainability; it’s relevance today and tomorrow!’ in a Master Class with Amity International Business School students, Sangeeta Robinson, Head-Sustainability & Inclusion, PVR Cinemas in her interactive seminar asked students to share what comprised in sustainability for them. Corporate Governance, Business Ethics, Risk Management, Transparency, Supply Chain, Environmental Management, Bio diversity, Disclosure, Corporate Social Responsibility, Product Responsibility, Compliance to regulations, Financial performance, Health & Safety, Human Rights, Stakeholder engagement and Employee Development.