A seminar titled "Climate Change: Maladies and Mitigation" was organized by the Madurai Chapter Breakthrough Science Society for college students at the auditorium of Madurai Kamaraj University College. Dr. Kabilan, Vice-Principal of the college, delivered the inaugural address.
Former Principal of Wakf Board College, Prof. Abdul Kadir, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, he highlighted how humanity’s deviation from a lifestyle in harmony with nature has led to significant impacts, including climate change. He pointed out that phenomena such as excessive rainfall in a single day, prolonged droughts following heavy rain years, and events like the floods in Kerala's Wayanad district, as well as heavy rains in Chennai, Thoothukudi, and Cuddalore, are direct consequences of climate change.
He emphasized the rising global temperatures leading to the melting of glaciers, resulting in sea-level rise and endangering coastal nations. The release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from industries and vehicles, significantly contributes to these climatic changes. Prof. Abdul Kadir stressed that while global nations are deliberating on solutions to mitigate climate change, individual responsibility plays an equally vital role.
Following this, Dr. Selvam, a former Forest Conservator, spoke about forest conservation and afforestation as effective solutions to counter climate change.
During the post-lunch interactive session, Dr. Venkatesan, former scientist at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Chennai, and professors Anand and Jayabalakrishnan answered students' queries about climate change and its solutions.
Over 400 students from Madurai College, Mannar Thirumalai Nayakar College, Wakf Board College, Lady Doak College, Meenakshi Women’s College, and Tamil Nadu Polytechnic College participated in the seminar.
The event was organized by Breakthrough Science Society coordinators Hilda Mary, Yogarajan, Sivakumar, and student volunteers Bharathi, Abhinaya, Alagu, and Monica. Prof. Gayathri compered the event.