JAMMU: Under the esteemed leadership of Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain, the Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu in collaboration with Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Hub, Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing (JKDEERS), Jammu & Kashmir, organized a lecture cum awareness dialogue on “Climate Change and Desertification” in commemoration of World Environmental Day, 2024. The theme of World Environment Day 2024 is “Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.”
Dr. Majid Farooq, Scientist from JKDEERS delivered the lecture on the topic and expressed deep concerns regarding the increasing trend of climate change and emphasized upon the importance of collective action in combating climate change and preserving our environment. Knowledge and skill alone are inadequate to save the environment, if one has no willingness towards protecting the environment.
Prof. Richa Kothari, Head of the Department, addressed the gathering and highlighted that each individual should adapt sustainable lifestyle. She stressed on collective responsibility towards climate resilient communities. Prof. R K Srivastava from the Division of Agricultural Engineering, SKUAST, Jammu also graced the occasion and shared his views.
Dr. Ankit Tandon, Faculty, EVS shared that recent reports are indicating higher rates of warming of hilly region in comparison to valley part of J&K which may ultimately translate into change in species’ diversity over the higher reaches of the Himalayas. Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Faculty, EVS mentioned that the high-resolution satellite data should be used to forecast and analyse the extreme weather events over the Himalayas.
Prof. Deepak Pathania, Dean Research Studies, in his concluding remarks deliberated on the causes of desertification, land degradation and climate change and encouraged students to look for innovative technologies and solutions to combat the challenges of climate change.
Dr. Shweta Yadav, Faculty, EVS extended formal vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain for his guidance and support in organizing such informative sessions. She also thanked the Deans, Heads, faculty members, scholars and students for active participation in the deliberations.