Srinagar : The University of Kashmir’s Department of English has commence a two-day international conference titled “Climate Action, Sustainability and Literature: The Ecosophical Proximity in the Contemporary Anthropocentric Epoch,” in partnership with the Ecosophical Foundation for the Study of Literature and Environment.
The conference aims to explore the connections between literature, environmental thought, and sustainability, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on climate change and ecological responsibility. During the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan emphasized the urgent need for academic engagement with ecological issues, stating that climate change is a current reality that necessitates critical reflection and knowledge generation to enhance environmental awareness and sustainable practices. She highlighted the role of literature and the humanities in understanding the human aspects of environmental crises and shaping ecological consciousness. Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, stressed the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with policy and governance to effectively tackle climate change challenges. He called for collaborative efforts among academia, policymakers, and communities to achieve sustainable development and long-term environmental resilience. Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, Dean of Academic Affairs at KU, underscored the value of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in advancing sustainability discussions. Dr. Rishikesh Kumar, President of EFSLE, noted the increasing significance of ecosophical approaches in literary and cultural studies. A keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Diana J. Fox from Bridgewater State University, besides which plenary talks, technical sessions, and paper presentations were held by scholars worldwide focusing on themes such as climate action, sustainability, environmental humanities, and eco-criticism. The inaugural session was conducted by Prof. Iffat Maqbool from the Department of English at KU.
