New Delhi, February 22: The Department of Geography, Faculty of Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) organized two-day Online International Conference on “Climate Change, Disaster Management and Environmental Sustainability” on 21st and 22nd February, 2024.
Professor Haroon Sajjad, Head, Department of Geography welcomed the distinguish guests, officials, delegates, faculty members and researchers from India and abroad. Prof. Taruna Bansal, the organizing secretary of the conference presents a detail outline of the conference. She pointed out that in the 21st century world, challenges emerge in diverse forms, transcending borders and intertwining economic, societal, and environmental realms. These challenges profoundly affect vulnerable communities, magnifying their susceptibility to climate-related shocks and disasters. Urgent actions are imperative.
Prof Eqbal Hussain, Vice Chancellor, JMI in his inaugural address highlighted that the heat waves are occurring with greater frequency and intensity and posing grave threats to human lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Environmental degradation, intertwined with climate change has further exacerbated the crisis and made the societies vulnerable to disasters. The intricate web of life upon which we all depend faces unprecedented strain. He pointed out that as academicians; we have a sacred responsibility - to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. This conference is a testament to that responsibility. Here, we gather - scholars, geographers, and passionate minds from across the globe to exchange ideas, strategize solutions, and spark innovation in disaster risk reduction, he said.
Prof. (Dr.) Md. Nazrul Islam, the keynote speaker of the conference from Jahangir Nagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh in his keynote address highlighted the impact of climate change on the various ecosystems from wetland to desert and forest. He emphasized that the interdisciplinary discussions and collaboration on pressing global challenges related to climate change, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience will yield possible solutions for the sustainable development.
Prof. Geeta Bhatt Director, NCWEB University of Delhi, in her address linked the issues of climate change with the ancient Indian religious text. Dr. S.D. Attri, Member (Technical), CAQM, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt of India in his address pointed out that how the issues related to water, air, flood and drought are becoming aggressive with every passing year. He further said that these issues need to be addressed through academic and scientific temperament.
The Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Prof. Tabrez Alam Khan pointed out that the reality of climate change is no longer a distant tremor on the horizon but a palpable force reshaping our world. Climate change, a phenomenon that knows no boundaries, has become an undeniable reality in our world today. The scientific evidence is irrefutable: our planet is warming at an alarming rate, largely due to human activities such as deforestation, industrialization, and the burning of fossil fuels, he said.
Earlier, the program was conducted by Dr. Aruna Paarcha, Organizing Secretary of the Conference. Prof. Atiqur Rahman, Co-convener of the conference proposed the vote of thanks to the distinguish guests, speakers, researchers, participants, teaching and non-teaching staff.
