Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam   

Call to fight global warming with lifestyle changes

— Photo:M. Sathyamoorthy

Save earth: Former Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission M.R. Srinivasan addressing a seminar on Global Warming in Udhagamandalam on Sunday.

Udhagamandalam: Lifestyle changes can combat global warming to a significant extent. This was underscored at a seminar on global warming – “Agni” organised by the Rotary District-3202 in association with various Rotary clubs in the Nilgiris here on Sunday.

Introducing the theme and giving an overview of the scenario vis-a-vis global warming, the former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission M.R. Srinivasan said that steps should be taken to adopt low carbon emission technologies.

Stating that efforts should be made to conserve energy at all levels, he said that the motto should be “ reuse, reduce and refuse”.

Lifestyle changes should be made.

While use of solar, wind, nuclear and hydroelectric energy should be promoted the people should switch from individual transport to mass transport. Use of bicycles should be encouraged, he said.

Advocating a growth path that is less carbon intensive, he said that the consequences of meddling with nature would be drastic.

He expressed the view that energy is embedded in everything conserved.

Adverting to the recent natural calamity in the Nilgiris, he said that the type of damage caused has revealed that, “we have not learnt from past experiences”.

Trees should be planted on a massive scale.

The Governor, Rotary District 3202 E.K. Sagadhevan who inaugurated the seminar said that all must join hands to fight global warming. “When our grandfathers have given us a healthy earth we should ensure that we do the same to posterity,” he said.

The Secretary General, World Wide Fund for Nature, Ravi Singh said that if appropriate lifestyle changes are made now, the benefits will become visible 20 or 30 years later.

He stressed the role of the media and the younger generation in tackling the problem. He also referred to the consequences of global warming on forests, species, people and economy.

The Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Rajiv K. Srivastava cautioned that if bush fires are not prevented the problems relating to global warming will multiply.

Emphasising the need for self-discipline, he said that wetlands, marshes etc should be protected.

Each village should have an eco-sensitive plan.

The entire district should be declared as an eco-sensitive zone.

The Principal, Good Shepherd International School, P.C. Thomas said that utmost caution should be exercised while laying roads in hill areas like the Nilgiris.

The Director, ECOS Jean-Philippe Puyravaud, the Assistant Rotary Governor N. Chandrashekar and the Secretary, Rotary Club of Nilgiris West Geetha Srinivasan also spoke.

The President, Rotary Club of Nilgiris West Geegee George welcomed the gathering.

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Call to fight global warming with lifestyle changes

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