In a bid to raise awareness about the protection of environment, Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management (AIETSM) and Amity Institute of Environmental Science (AIES) in association with National Environmental Science Academy (NESA) celebrated "World Environment Day" at the University Campus.
Welcoming the august gathering, Professor (Dr.) Tanu Jindal- Director, Amity Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management thanked the guests for taking out time from their busy schedule and joining Amity in disseminating the importance of environment conservation on World Environment Day.
Dr. Jindal stressed that man has been recklessly undertaking the developmental activities at the cost of environment but the fall outs of disturbing the eco-system have started becoming prominent and manifested in climate change, erratic pattern of rainfall, global warming, raising sea-levels etc.
She opined that man needs to be prudent to discern the difference between a necessity and indulgence and act accordingly for the benefit of humanity.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. V.P. Upadhyay, Director, Ministry of Environment and Forest said that environment is important for everyone. Global warming is not a complex issue that cannot be dealt with.
Of all the harmful gasses present in the environment, Carbon Dioxide gas creates the maximum problem and it could be efficiently combated by planting more and more trees. He shared that a mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year. Trees have the potential to improve the micro- climate near the house and even reduce wind velocity.
He advised that the problem has to be handled globally rather than locally. He shared that the net built up of harmful Carbon in the environment globally could be taken care of by converting over 329 million hectare land into plantains globally.
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He opined that sustainability concept has to be brought in Indian way of culture; small efforts at individual houses could bring big results. Ecological affluence is more important than economic affluence. It is important for ecosystem to be intact since, species once lost cannot be created by man made capital.
He said that it is important to raise the voice against environment degradation rather than raising the sea level.
Sharing his views, Prof. A. Arunachalam- General Secretary, National Environmental Science Academy (NESA) stressed that it is very important to take care of the environment since it has wide scale repercussions.
He shared that there are over 52 developing nation islands which are low lying and run the risk of submersing, if water level continues to rise in our water bodies due to melting of polar ice. He averred that climate change could be a real threat to the existence of a country/nation. Agriculture, as currently practiced in the country, is the chief cause of destruction of valuable habitats.
He stated that earth has enough resources to meet the needs of people but certainly not their greed.
During the occasion, Guests planted saplings spreading the message of bringing down the Carbon Dioxide levels through planting more and more trees.
The officials of Amity took a pledge on behalf of University to contribute towards sustainable development and taking lead in environmental education. The pledge outlined Amity's commitment to developing patents in green technology with GLP studies by faculty and students participation adopting green practices at Amity campuses, thereby leading to the well- being of the humanity.