Awantipora : Earth Day 2025 is being observed by over 2.0 billion people across 200 countries, uniting voices in concern over the deteriorating state of our planet. In Jammu and Kashmir, where once-pristine water bodies, forests, wetlands and glaciers are under severe stress, environmental degradation has emerged as a pressing challenge with serious ecological and economic consequences.
The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) is organizing a series of Earth Day events this week starting from 22 April, 2025, including Panel discussions, technical sessions, poster making, human chain rally, campus cleaning drive, and interactive exhibitions showcasing research in Earth and environmental sciences. The aim is to promote awareness and appreciation for nature and to underscore the urgent need for collective action to address some of our pressing issues related to earth and environment.
Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor, IUST, emphasized that combating environmental degradation and responding to climate change, energy challenges and disaster vulnerability is a priority. He said that through collaborative efforts involving academia, government, and civil society, we are leveraging scientific research to understand and address the challenges facing the Earth system, with a focus on Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Dr. Jasia Bashir, Organizing Secretary, said that the unchecked exploitation of natural resources, compounded by climate change, poses a serious threat to sustainability in the region.
