Rajouri: Environmental Sciences, Centre for Biodiversity Studies, BGSB University, Rajouri organised a webinar on the Bio-geographical affinities and impact of Climate Change on Himalayan Biodiversity on April 17, 2021.
In his message Prof. Aakbar Masood, Vice Chancellor BGSBU said that Climate change poses a fundamental threat to the places, species and people’s livelihoods.Prof. Akbar said that to adequately address the crisis of climate change we must urgently reduce carbon pollution. Prof. Akbar mentioned that Climate change in the Himalayas has far-reaching impacts on biodiversity, food, water and energy security. He urged upon the participants to work collectively to sustain the biodiversity of the Himalayas for the greater benifits of mankind and the nature.
Dr Suresh Rana, Scientist, at Ladkah Regional Centre, G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (An Autonomous Institute of Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi), delivered the keynote address in which he emphasized the impact of Climate changeon the Himalayan Biodiversity. He gave a comprehensive account that scientists had predicted in the past that the global climate change will led to serious issues such as loss of polar icecaps, accelerated sea level rise and longer, more intense heat waves. Similar effects of the climate change are being observed in the Himalayas such as the melting glaciers, erratic and unpredictable weather conditions, changing rainfall patterns, and increasing temperatures which are impacting seriously the people and wildlife of the region. Prof. Iqbal Parwez, Dean, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology in his message, stressed on raising awareness about climate change and their mitigation strategies to combat with this serious global problem. Dr Shreekar Pant, Coordinator, Centre for Biodiversity Studies highlighted the importance of this webinar in current scenario. He introduced the speaker and conducted the proceeding of the program while a Dr Mamta Bhat presented a formal vote of thanks.