HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 19: Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria emphasised the crucial role of engineers in devising sustainable solutions, innovative technologies, and resilient infrastructure to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
Speaking at a seminar on the contribution of Mechanical Engineers in addressing climate change, organized by the Institution of Engineers (India), Assam Chapter, Governor Kataria underscored the engineers’ potential to tackle climate challenges. He highlighted their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change impacts. Engineers, he stated, could develop cost-effective measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Governor Kataria urged engineers to collaborate with other stakeholders, including bureaucrats and policy planners, to devise effective strategies to counter the impact of climate change. He referenced the “Mission Life” flagship program, promoting sustainable lifestyles and consumption patterns to address climate change challenges.
Discussing the long-term impact of climate change, Governor Kataria noted the rise in temperature, altered natural processes, rising sea levels, and extreme weather conditions. These changes lead to human displacement, food insecurity, increased respiratory illnesses, and other challenges.
Governor Kataria emphasised that reducing dependence on fossil fuels could alleviate the effects of climate change. He encouraged the increased adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.
The seminar’s inaugural function was attended by notable figures, including chairman of Institution of Engineers (India) Dr. N.N. Patwary, Assam State Centre Director Operations of Oil India Limited Pankaj Kumar Goswami, professor of Mechanical Engineering of Jadavpur University Prof Sudipta De, and others from various institutions. The seminar served as a platform for fostering awareness and collaboration in addressing climate change through engineering innovation.
