A seminar on water and climate change was held by the Chemistry Department of Khariar Autonomous College at Khariar on Monday with Jyotiraj Patra, Project Manager of OXFAM, South Asian Region, and a former student of Khariar College, as chief speaker.
The seminar was also addressed by college Principal Dr Harendra Panda, Dr Tarun Pradhan and Rajlaxmi Ratha of Chemistry Department and other professors including Dr PL Barma, C Chandrakar and Pramod Sahu. District Press Club president Ajit Panda was also a speaker.
The seminar dealt in details on various aspects of climate change and its impact on the Earth and human society. The chief speaker spoke about climate problems all over the world and initiatives like UNFCC, COP 25, etc., taken by the UN and its member-countries to address the problem.
"Climate change is not only an environmental issue; it is more a political and economic issue. It is time to act now with grassroots innovation and action to better use and manage our precious water resources, protect water sources and restore the ecosystems around it. Youths can lead through various initiatives like the Water Youth Action Forum (WYAF) etc." Jyotiraj Patra said.
"The Chemistry Department of Khariar College has been taking various initiatives on this front. Students are motivated to be engaged on the water and climate change issues in the locality to generate awareness within the communities to act. We are also collaborating with various district and State-level institutions," said the Principal.