“We have a duty to ensure a sustainable environment filled with natural resources for future generations,” said Filatov Nikolai Nikolavevich, a senior scientist and Director at the Russian Academy’s Petrozavodsk Water Institute. He spoke in Belagavi during the opening of a two-day International Conference on Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).
Dr. Nikolavevich emphasized the urgent need for water conservation and managing our resources wisely. “Water is essential for life, yet it faces threats from climate change, pollution, overuse, and poor management,” he noted. He warned that without immediate action, upcoming generations could suffer from severe water shortages.
He highlighted that only about 2.5% of the world’s water is fresh, with an even smaller portion accessible for human use. Challenges such as eutrophication (over-enrichment of water), pollution, climate change, microplastics, and invasive species must be tackled to protect our water resources.
VTU Vice-Chancellor Vidyashankar S. talked about how closely connected environmental sustainability and climate change are. “Human actions like burning fossil fuels and deforestation are rapidly changing the Earth’s climate. These activities release greenhouse gases, leading to global warming,” he explained. He called for a comprehensive approach that combines sustainability with adaptation efforts, stating that a healthy environment is vital for effective climate action.
He expressed hope that the conference would promote collaboration among governments, businesses, researchers, and individuals to create impactful solutions for a sustainable future.
Former Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Chairman B. Shivalingaiah stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, “It is happening now. We are witnessing its effects through rising sea levels, acid rain, heatwaves, droughts, and more.”
During the conference, attendees will hear 68 research papers discussing innovative strategies for sustainability and climate change adaptation. Notable participants also included former senior scientist C.R. Murthy and conference convener Nagaraj Patil.
This two-day conference, organized by the Civil Engineering Department of VTU in collaboration with Bangalore International Airport Limited, aims to tackle pressing global environmental issues and develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
