Interactive Session on Climate Change by Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia

“On climate change, we often don’t fully appreciate that it is a problem. We think it is a problem waiting to happen.” To stress on this alarming quote by Kofi Annan NIIT University witnessed an interactive session on climate change by Mr.Montek Singh Ahluwalia on January 15, 2022, at 12:00 noon.

He highlighted how to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels, and to achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate-neutral world by mid-century. Mentioning that The Paris Agreement is a landmark in the multilateral climate change process because, for the first time, a binding agreement brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects. He also emphasized how India should commit to reducing emissions at the COP26 negotiations because technology has now made it “possible to grow while also reducing emissions over time”. 

According to Mr. Ahluwalia, the best way to reduce emissions is by transitioning to renewable energy and becoming more energy-efficient, by encouraging people to move to public transport, pricing energy economically, and creating performance incentives for industry. He also took time to answer questions from our NUtons and feed their curiosity with the right set of responsible steps.

We need to realize the urgency of working towards climate change and value the agreements such as the Paris Agreement to push forward more initiatives by humanity to overcome the self-created problem.