Top scientists meet at University of Kashmir, discuss climate change issue

The eminent scientists are in the varsity for a first meeting of the Reconstituted Committee of Climate Change Programme of the DST which aims to generate strategic knowledge on issues of climate change and build capacities of various stakeholders, reports Greater Kashmir.

KU Vice-Chancellor Nilofer Khan was quoted as saying by the newspaper: "Climate change is real. It is happening and we all are bearing its brunt."

"This two-day meet therefore is critically important in shaping our policies to combat climate change and evolve better understanding on the mitigation and adaptation plans," the Professor said.

She said the KU has recorded a significant impact in climate change research and will be always ready to cooperate and collaborate with DST and other institutions in areas of research and capacity building.

In his opening remarks, former KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad, Chairman of DST's Reconstituted Commitee of Climate Change, called for a multidisciplinary approach to address climate change impacts.

In his special address, Senior Advisor DST Akhilesh Gupta, who joined the meeting in virtual mode, underlined the need for a "nationally-coordinated plan" to see that climate change research in the country gets further impetus, reported the newspaper.

He said the DST's climate change programmes have penetrated into several states and motivated universities to take up major projects.

"After the 6th IPCC report, the impact of climate change on India is much clearer. We are now at a crucial juncture where climate research will become important for our country to formulate robust climate action plans," Gupta said, appreciating that Kashmir University is part of an important climate change programme of the DST.