SIRSI: The governments and the public could minimise the adverse effects of climate change by afforestation programmes, minimising the use of energy fuels, and finding out alternative energy sources, said N.H. Ravindranath of the Indian Institute of Science at a programme held in Sirsi Rotary Centre on Monday.
The programme was organised under the auspices of Parisara Vijnana Kendra Sirsi, Earth Watch India Organisation, the District Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and the Lions Club.
Western Ghats
Mr. Ravindranath was speaking on “effects of climate change in Western Ghats.” “There may not have been immediate adverse effects in the Western Ghats region but by the year 2040, there is a possibility of famine and pestilence because of environmental imbalance and there may be 30 per cent decrease in the production of various crops grown here,” he said.
Unpredictable rainfall
“We are experiencing unpredictable rainfall in many parts of Karnataka,” Mr. Ravindranath said. Discussions were held on the issue by heads of nations and scientists at international level but nothing had been done so far, he said.
Investigations
Raghu Saxena of Earth Watch Organisation said scientific investigations should reach the common people. The Uttara Kannada District Chamber of Commerce president G.G. Hegde Kadekodi presided over the function. Rotary Club president Anantpadmanabha welcomed the gathering. Prabhakar Bhat of the Indian Institute of Science and Lions Club president Vinay Hegde were present.
