“Climate change is the biggest crisis of the 21st century with each and every one of us being equal stakeholders in saving our future,” said Professor B K Chandrashekhar, former chairman, Karnataka Legislative Council at the seminar titled Communicating Climate Change.
It was jointly organised by the British Council and Press Club at Karnataka State Pollution Control Board premises. The programme is part of the the British Council’s Low Carbon Futures project that is aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change in an urban environment.
A series of seminars have been planned across all major cities in the country to raise awareness among journalists in the country.
He raised several environmental issues and called for the setting up a committee by the State Government to look into the matter and frame guidelines.
Urging the Government to spend more money on the restoration of lakes, he said “The State Government should set aside Rs 6000 or 7000 crore for the rejuvenation of tanks and lakes as an urgent requirement in the budget.”
Chandrashekhar also added that the Western Ghats was the State’s most precious asset and further deforestation of the ghats will be disastrous.
British documentary filmmaker and journalist, Jeremy Bristow said “Climate change is the biggest story on the planet for journalists and it is very important for reporters and editors to understand its importance.” He also added that it is necessary to present climate change in a balanced manner and not necessarily present it in an alarming manner.
In an interactive session, Bristow showcased clips from a documentary series on climate change featuring renowned filmmaker David Attenborough. The clips focussed on the relationship between carbon emission and global warming with a number of them offering solutions on how carbon emission can be contained.
Also present at the seminar was the Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Dr H C Sharatchandra.
