Mangaluru: “Spandana 2020 – Responding to Realities”, an International Conference on “Social Response to Climate Change”, was inaugurated by Dr. Lars Eric Olson, Associate Professor of Social Work, Ersta, Skondal University, Stockholm – Sweden at School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya. In his inaugural address, Dr. Olson stressed the points of climate change. He stated that science has concluded that the weather has changed. Maybe better, maybe worse for some; the weather changes though has affected the poor already, which is noticeable due to the rising and sinking sea level, the severe problems leading to diseases. He blamed human activities for their extreme energy that leads to climate change in the environment. Man is concerned about cooling down his house while heating up the worldly home, being our surroundings.
He further stated about the huge expense incurred due to the damages, which is 12% GDP which can otherwise be utilized to help millions of underprivileged people.
The climatic condition in Delhi was compared to a regular smokers’ atmosphere.
Due to the unsafe situations in India tourists are avoiding their visits to India, the floods, droughts, and diseases; create chaos in the minds of tourists. He voiced a clarion call to the delegates and students present, to make necessary sacrifices in order to promise a better future and safer future for all life on Earth. He concluded the session by stating that the 17-year-old Greta was his role model as she was the young rebel to stand against climate change.
The college principal Dr. Juliet C J, in her presidential address, mentioned that a student consortium will soon be in effect to address and discuss climate change. Climate is the average weather and weather refers to a particular climatic pattern in a specific region. There is a difference between these two terms. Due to the severity of heat levels, an irregularity in vegetation has been observed. Walk the talk and embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle is the need of the hour she added.
Organizing Secretary Asha Albuqurque Pai, while introducing the theme of the conference, highlighted that climate change is a severe problem that everyone must take seriously because the stakes are higher and the risks are more severe. Saving the planet has become ever-challenging due to complicated and bitter politics in the name of urban development. Further, she stressed on the need for Social workers possessing skills for change and are capable of being active catalysts for a better world.
Dr. Meena Monteiro, Dean, PG Dept of Social Work welcomed the gathering and Ms. Rishika Ramanand, Secretary, student council proposed the vote of thanks. The Founder Principal of the college Dr. Olinda Pereira graced the occasion.
