Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki, also known as the “Solar Man of India,” led an engaging session on "Energy Literacy" in Jamshedpur as part of his ongoing 'Energy Swaraj Yatra'. The session, organized by the CII Young Indians (Yi) at the Centre for Excellence Auditorium, was attended by 90 teachers from over 60 schools in the city.
During the session, Prof. Solanki, a professor at IIT Bombay and founder of the Energy Swaraj Foundation, shed light on the pressing issue of climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for everyone to become part of the solution. Highlighting the grave consequences of global warming, he advocated for the 'AMG principle' – Avoid, Minimise, and Generate – as a practical way to conserve energy.
He pointed out that 80-85% of global energy is derived from fossil fuels, warning that the Earth has already warmed by 1.1°C since the industrial era. If this continues, the global temperature could rise by 1.5°C within just a few years, making climate changes irreversible. He introduced the concept of the ‘Climate Clock’, which indicates that only 4 years and 316 days remain to avert the 1.5°C threshold.
Prof. Solanki urged attendees to take personal responsibility for reducing energy consumption by at least one-third. He provided practical advice on reducing energy waste in daily activities, such as buying fewer clothes and using electronics more wisely. He also cautioned against over-reliance on solar power, calling instead for a balanced approach through local energy production, a key principle of the 'Energy Swaraj' initiative.
The interactive event concluded with participants pledging to support the 'Energy Swaraj' movement and make climate action a mass movement in Jamshedpur.
Prof. Solanki's ‘Energy Swaraj Yatra’, which began in November 2020, is a nationwide journey conducted in a solar-powered bus to raise awareness about the climate crisis and promote clean energy. Through this initiative, he hopes to bring Gandhian principles of sustainability to Indian households, fostering a greener future.
