World Environment Day was observed
Rourkela : World Environment Day was observed by the Institution of Engineers (India), Rourkela Local Centre, NIT Campus, Rourkela. The event was conducted in a hybrid mode, both online and offline, on the topic “A Global Call for Climate Action”. The speaker for the occasion was Prof. Hara Mohan Jena, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela. The programme was coordinated by the Past Honorary Secretary, Prof. Rama Chandra Pradhan. The meeting was chaired by Chairman, Er. Diptankar Mahapatra, who delivered the welcome address. In his address, he emphasized that climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. He noted that rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation serve as stark reminders that urgent and collective action is no longer a choice but a necessity. He further stressed that the future of our planet depends on the decisions and actions we take today. The Honorary Secretary briefly introduced the speaker and invited Prof. Jena to deliver his lecture.
In his presentation, Prof. Jena highlighted that the nature encompasses the physical world and all living organisms that exist independently of human intervention. It functions through fundamental natural processes—such as the water cycle, photosynthesis, and geological activity—that sustain ecosystems, recycle resources, and shape the environment upon which life depends. Advancements in healthcare, education, communication, and overall quality of life have significantly improved human well-being. However, economic development and rising living standards have also driven rapid industrialization and an unprecedented increase in global energy demand. Per-capita income and quality of life are closely linked to per-capita energy consumption, making energy a cornerstone of socio-economic progress. At the same time, energy consumption remains the primary driver of climate change, accounting for approximately 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The combustion of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—for electricity generation, heating, transportation, and industrial activities, including manufacturing, mining, and construction, releases large quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to rising global temperatures, changing weather patterns, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
These profound environmental changes pose significant risks to ecosystems, infrastructure, economies, and human well-being worldwide. In recognition of these challenges, World Environment Day 2026 focuses on climate change, highlighting both the urgent signals the Earth is sending and the collective response humanity must choose.
Achieving a net-zero future will require a comprehensive approach that combines robust climate policies, clean energy transitions, nature-based solutions, and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. Together, these strategies can drive sustainable development, reduce emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and safeguard the planet for future generations.
The presentation was followed by an engaging interactive session involving industrialists and academicians. Subsequently, Er. Mahapatra presented a certificate of merit and a memento to Prof. Jena in recognition of his insightful contribution. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the Past Honorary Secretary, Prof. Rama Chandra Pradhan. A total of 20 members and guests participated in the event, both online and offline.
Reported by Kunja Bihari Rout
