The key to a sustainable solution is a dual strategy to increase energy and resource efficiency and to develop renewable energies and raw materials, he said. Mr. Sauerteig was addressing the inaugural session of a three-day symposium on climate change organised here on Tuesday by Goethe Institut-Max Mueller Bhavan, in association with the Centre for Environment Studies Anna University and Earth Care Trust

Speakers at the symposium, titled ‘Our lives our climate,' emphasised the need for lifestyle changes to address the issue of climate change.

Twenty-six speakers from diverse fields would be sharing their experience on quantifying and understanding the climate change, the poor management of waste and the importance of biodiversity conservation.

S. Shanmugavel, Registrar, Anna University said: “We should not merely blame industries, but should redefine our consumption pattern. The rich can afford to adapt, while the poor and the middle class are the ones most affected by the climate` change.”

A. Ramachandran, Director, Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation Research, Anna University, said the issue of climate change is of international relevance but it called for management and adoption of strategies locally.

Karl Pechatscheck, Director, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, said the symposium would see academicians and non-government organisations coming together to create awareness on climate change.

The entries of a poster and drawing contest, organised earlier as part of the symposium, were displayed.