Amity School of Applied Sciences organized a guest lecture on “Climate change and its effect on forest in India” on dated 01st February 2024. The main objective of the program is to make our students aware about the climate change and its effect on forest in India. Climate change will influence number of natural disturbances that threaten forest health. These include insect outbreaks, invasive species, wildfires, and storms. Some disturbances, like wildfire, take place quickly. Climate change is expected to have major health impacts in India- increasing malnutrition and related health disorders such as child stunting - with the poor likely to be affected most severely. Child stunting is projected to increase by 35% by 2050 compared to a scenario without climate change. The goals of climate change adaptation are to reduce risk and vulnerability to climate change, strengthen resilience, enhance well-being and the capacity to anticipate and respond successfully to change.
The program started with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Asita Kulshreshtha (HOI), ASAS, who thanked guest speaker as well as participants for their valuable time and contribution towards making event a grand success. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Uma Shanker (IFS Retired), talked about 25% of global emissions coming from the land sector, the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after the energy sector. Locking up the carbon from the atmosphere in trees, ground vegetation and soils is one of the safest ways with which to remove carbon. Natural Forests improve water quality, store water in wetlands, prevent soil erosion, protect biodiversity, and potentially provide new jobs. India goals of reaching carbon neutrality by 2070. By expanding the energy capacity not coming from fossil fuels to 500 GW by 2030, half of its energy requirement from renewable sources by 2030. He discussed about cutting the carbon intensity of economy by 45% by 2030. Factors affecting the climate of India which are the Pressure and Wind Systems, Altitude, Relief Features, Latitude, Ocean Currents, and Distance from the Sea (Continentality).
It was a successful and informative event. Vote of thanks proposed by program coordinator, Dr. Upasana Yadav, Assistant Professor, Amity School of Applied Sciences.