Wake Up to Climate Change: Why It’s Time for Everyone to Act After Politicians Acknowledge the Danger

Bhubaneswar: Climate change is a serious issue, and leaders globally are starting to agree on its urgency. Erik Solheim, President of the Europe-Asia Centre, shared these thoughts at an event organized by the Sambad Group, Global Alliance For A Sustainable Planet (GASP), and the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD).

Solheim emphasized that despite differing political views, leaders now recognize how climate change is affecting our planet. He pointed out that environmental discussions are often limited to academic circles, which can alienate everyday people.

In a dialogue with Sambad Group editor Tanaya Patnaik, he highlighted that climate change is causing extreme weather and impacting societies worldwide, including India. “It’s essential for leaders to collaborate on effective policies and also focus on raising awareness at a grassroots level,” he said.

Solheim believes that environmental information needs to be simplified for everyone to understand. He praised countries like China for their significant advances in renewable energy, noting that they added 300 gigawatts of capacity last year. He remarked, “A decade ago, Europe led in green energy, but now countries like China and India are taking the lead.”

When asked how Odisha can combat climate change, he mentioned the importance of protecting its mangroves. He suggested that solar energy is a great alternative for the state and encouraged the installation of solar panels on rooftops. He also advocated for promoting electric vehicles in public transport to reduce noise pollution and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Satya Tripathy, Secretary General of GASP, noted that while China and the U.S. are the top carbon emitters, Odisha ranks second in India, accounting for over 10% of the country’s emissions. He called for urgent action from companies responsible for these emissions to take steps to mitigate their impact. He cited Andhra Pradesh as an example, where over 1.2 million farmers have shifted to zero synthetic chemicals in agriculture, with support from NGOs and the government.

Tripathy encouraged Odisha to adopt similar practices to cut down on emissions and stressed the importance of environmental education for children, as they will shape the future.

The event recognized climate change advocates like Pradip Dalei, Hari Pangi, and Sadhwi Sindura. PK Sahoo, co-founder of CYSD, expressed gratitude at the conclusion of the gathering, which was attended by many influential figures in the environmental sector.