Mobius Foundation Organizes Panel Dialogue on Protecting the Himalayan Frozen Wonders
Vibrant Gathering: An Evening to Save the Himalayan Glaciers
It's all about the preservation of our planet's lifeblood! The wild, untamed Himalayas, often referred to as the "Water Towers of Asia," are under attack. To sound the alarm, the Mobius Foundation, brainchild of the visionary Mr. Pradip Burman, organized a blazing panel discussion called "Water Towers on Needles: Cryosphere, Climate Change, and Amends" at the iconic Bikaner House, New Delhi, as part of the United Nations' International Year of Glaciers' Protection. Earth Day had never felt so urgent. With a pitchfork full of determination, esteemed minds from academia, policymakers, and environmentalists converged to scrutinize the precarious condition of the Himalayan cryosphere and its far-reaching ramifications.
Stirring the Pot: Speakers and Editorial Masterminds
The evening started with the passionate keynote speech by Mr. Praveen Grag, IAS (Retd.) and President of the Mobius Foundation. He set the stage ablaze, labeling the Himalayas as the life-giving wells for billions, threatened by the relentless advancement of climate change. He implored us to protect these precious water storages not only for our planet but for the very survival of our people. With a call to arms, he urged swift action based on science, pleading that youth and people of all ages jump into the fray to protect our communities and environment.
Moderated by the incisive climate policy guru, Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay (Secretary General of the LIGHTS Foundation and Editor-in-Chief at Geography and You), the panel was a who's who of brilliant minds. Consisting of Prof. A.P. Dimri, the esteemed Director of the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mr. Brij Mohan Singh Rathore, IFS, Former Joint Secretary of the Ministry, Prof. Anil Kulkarni, a Distinguished Visiting Scientist at the Divecha Center for Climate Change, and Capt. (Retd.) Anurag Bisen, a Senior Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation, the panel boasted decades of research, on-field experience, and policy engagement.
The Whole Enchilada: Synopses of Panelists' Insights
Prof. A.P. Dimri shed light on the intricate nature of the cryosphere, drawing parallels to global climate systems. He expounded that alterations in snow and ice patterns in the Himalayas can affect local weather patterns and indirectly impact agriculture, hydropower, and monsoons. In-depth understanding of these interwoven systems is crucial for crafting effective climate models and responses.
Mr. Brij Mohan Singh Rathore argued that the time has come for community-based conservation. The local communities living closest to the glaciers possess invaluable traditional knowledge that can bolster conservation efforts. By involving them in planning and implementation, we can strengthen the efficacy of conservation programs and ensure sustainable management of these vital ecosystems over the long run.
Prof. Anil Kulkarni emphasized the alarming increase in glacial melt due to escalating temperatures. If current trends continue, seasonal water availability will become increasingly unreliable, leading to higher risks of floods and droughts. To maintain regional water security, long-term adaptation strategies and glacier monitoring are essential.
Capt. (Retd.) Anurag Bisen stressed the far-reaching implications of the melting Arctic and Antarctic ice on sea level rise and wind circulation. These impacts will reverberate across global politics.
Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay skillfully summarized the discussion, highlighting the cascading effects of Himalayan cryosphere changes on high-altitude ecosystems. She underscored the urgency of investing in advanced cryosphere monitoring, bolstering local adaptation strategies, and fostering international cooperation in research and policy for more impact.
The Last Word: Mobius Foundation's Dedication
In conclusion, the illustrious Dr. Sudheer Kumar Shukla, Head - Think Tank, Mobius Foundation, reaffirmed the importance of preserving the glaciers and expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone present. Dr. Sandip Tanu Mandal, Research Associate, Mobius Foundation, expertly facilitated and coordinated the smooth running of the event.
Mobius Foundation: A Green Beacon in a Sea of Red
Fueled by a passion for sustainable environmental practices, biodiversity conservation, and climate justice, the Mobius Foundation aims to bring together varied minds to tackle global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development worldwide through events, research, and partnerships.
- The panel discussion organized by the Mobius Foundation, titled "Water Towers on Needles: Cryosphere, Climate Change, and Amends," delved into the realms of both environmental-science and climate-change, attracting esteemed minds from science, academia, and policymaking.
- As part of their commitment to health-and-wellness and culture, the Mobius Foundation hosted a vibrant event, "Vibrant Gathering: An Evening to Save the Himalayan Glaciers," where speakers from various fields shared their insights on the impact of glacier depletion on agriculture, water availability, and weather patterns.
- Recognizing the role of culture and events in raising awareness and fostering collaboration, the Mobius Foundation, under the leadership of Mr. Pradip Burman, organized a panel discussion focusing on science, policy, and community-based conservation to address the critical issue of climate change and the preservation of the Himalayan cryosphere.
