Jammu, April 23

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today that the visible climate change in the form of cloudbursts, earthquakes, tsunamis, snow-less winters, cooler summers, erratic rains and many more environmental shifts should serve as a wake-up call to human beings to address this hazardous phenomenon collectively.

“The young generation has all the more responsibility in this regard to awake society and contribute positively towards the maintenance of eco-balance and environmental conditions,” he said, urging the youth to play their important role to save the Earth and its ecology from further degradation and damage.

Speaking at a function organised by the Kashmirink Foundation on the theme of “Climate Change” at the Zorawar Singh Auditorium in the University of Jammu here, the Chief Minister stressed on universal awareness about the subject.

Omar also referred to the bio-diversity and ecological fragility of the state. He said the effects of climate change and environmental degradation had started impacting the weather cycle. “There is no snow in Gulmarg during the prime winter, rain pattern has shown a remarkable shift, Ladakh witnessed flash floods and a cloudburst. Similarly, the climate change in sub-tropical and temperate regions of the state are visible,” he added and gave a clarion call to one and all to feel the responsibility towards this aspect.

“Everyone of us are equal stakeholders in the task of saving the Earth from continuous degradation to help sustenance of life and safeguarding the future for coming generations,” Omar said, referring to the far-reaching effects of climate change and global warming.

Minister for Tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani, political adviser to the Chief Minister Devender Singh Rana, besides a large number of students were present on the occasion.

A cultural programme “Silk Route” was also presented on the theme of “climate change and cultural diversity” on the occasion.