CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), in association with Vigyan Bharati, organized a Public Outreach Programme on 13 January 2023 as a precursor event of India International Science Festival (IISF)-2022. Prof. Chetan S Solanki, Professor, IIT-Bombay, Founder, Energy Swaraj Foundation and Brand Ambassador Solar Energy M P was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Dr. Atul N. Vaidya, Director, CSIR-NEERI, Dr. Arvind C. Ranade, National Secretary, Vigyan Bharati, Shri Naresh Chafekar, Secretary, Vigyan Bharati, Vidarbha Pradesh Mandal, and Dr. NitinLabhsetwar, Chief Scientist and Head, Energy Resource and Management Division, CSIR-NEERI were also present on this occasion.
The Chief Guest Prof. Solanki delivered the lecture on ‘5-Point Understanding of Climate Change and Corrective Actions’ in the NEERI Auditorium. He said that energy literacy training is the need of the hour for climate change mitigation. He cautioned that we are on the verge of catastrophic climate change if earth’s temperature rises to 1.5 degree Celsius. The climate is not changing, it has already changed, he added. He mentioned that every year climate change is worsening, national and international efforts to mitigate it are not proving enough. He pointed out that over 80% of the world’s energy requirements are fulfilled through use of carbon-based fuels like Coal, Oil and Gas. These fuels are made from carbon and use of these fuels in the form of petrol, diesel, LPG, cement, materials, products results in carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions. These greenhouse gases remain in Atmosphere for 200-300 years and cause heating of the planet which is ultimately causing the change in Climate, he added. He speculated that as per the world’ Climate Clock, approximately 6 years are left before the global temperature touches the 1.5℃ mark. He urged every individual to act now towards mitigation of climate change.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Arvind Ranade, National Secretary, Vigyan Bharti (VIBHA) gave an overview on the work carried out VIBHA and objective of the India International Science Festival (IISF-2022). Shri Naresh Chafekar, Secretary, Vigyan Bharati, Vidarbha Pradesh Mandal briefed about the different programs to be organized during the IISF-2022. Dr. Vaidya in his welcome address emphasized the need to ensure that science and technology reach the masses. IISF has shown us a way to promote science & technology (S&T) and demonstrate how S &T can lead India towards a developed nation.
Various programmes were organised to mark this occasion including competitions for students of schools, theme based briefing and practical demonstrations at CSIR-NEERI Laboratories, scientist-student interaction, etc. The quiz competition was organised for the students of KendriyaVidyalaya, Vayusena Nagar, Nagpur under the Jigyasa, student-scientist connect programme. Vigyan Bharati also conducted the Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan Pariksha for the students of 6-11 standards. The prizes were given away to the winning students on this occasion. Dr. Nitin Labhsetwar, Chief Scientist and Head, Energy Resource and Management Division, CSIR-NEERI proposed the vote of thanks.
