Most natural calamities are caused due to several factors that affect our environment, and climate change alone cannot be blamed for the catastrophe. Unless every individual plays a significant role in conserving the flora and fauna and turn the spotlight on developing collaborative measures, natural disasters are bound to occur, climate change communicator N.S. Prasad has said.
Global campaign
He was addressing civil society groups, mediapersons, and representatives of NGOs at a workshop organised for the first time in the city by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to promote the global campaign, ‘India Unplugged’, and observe Earth Hour on Saturday.
“The concept of switching off non-essential lights, bringing out strategic methods of applying alternative energy, and considering serious measures to bring down carbon footprint should be one’s way of life,” Mr. Prasad said. Supported by The Park Hotel, which is keen on participating in the campaign, the session focused on offering effective solutions by contributing to the adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
To raise awareness among people, corporate companies, and establishments on the need to switch to renewable energy, WWF education officer Karishma Pradhan said: “As part of ‘India Unplugged’ campaign to be organised to mark Earth Hour, a symbolic gesture of turning off non-essential lights will be observed at VUDA Park and some stretches of the Beach Road on March 28 at 8.30 p.m.”
Impact on biodiversity
Listing the pressing problems that give way to depletion of natural resources, Professor of Department of Zoology, Andhra University, D.E. Babu, spoke on the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
“What is lacking is the comprehensive scientific data on biodiversity. It helps understand the survival limitations of both terrestrial and aquatic species in broader terms and take appropriate steps to conserve the same,” he said while giving a detailed presentation on the subject.
To mark Earth Hour, non-essential lights will be switched off at VUDA Park and some stretches of the
Beach Road at
8.30 p.m. tomorrow
