Climate change has emerged as one of the most defining issues of the twenty-first century. Climate is constantly changing and from 1970s many international initiatives have been taken to make earth a better place to live in. Earth day Network is one such international Environment Organization that grew out of the first Earth day (April 22,1970) today engages with over 50,000 partners in 196 countries to work for a cleaner and greener environment. It has now grown into World’s largest Environment movement.
The Earth Day Network acknowledged the pledge made by Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences to plant 1 million trees in KISS and 30 districts of Odisha. 2020 will mark 50th Anniversary of EDN and Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS has agreed to be the part of the Global advisory committee to put together meaningful programs and campaigns towards Safe Earth on their request.
Ahead of the Earth Day on 22nd April, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences organized a conference on Climate Change and Our Response for Sustainable Development in association with Earth Day-Network, on 19th April 2017 at KIIT University. The representatives of more than 200 NGOs attended the conference from 16 districts of Odisha. Mrs. Karuna Singh, the Regional Director of South Asia and Country Director, Earth Day Network, India was the keynote speaker and she highlighted the importance of working together to achieve a global cause.
History shows that NGOs have acted as powerful pressure groups and made a difference in societies in the past. Therefore they can make a valuable contribution in tackling the threat of climate change. Climate is changing for the worse. This is a real problem that needs concrete solutions. The devastating effects of climate change are ostensible in day-to-day life and they have the potential to alter the destiny of mankind. Helping tackle the problem is a responsibility we all share globally. And that’s why the role of non-state actors like NGOs in bridging the gap between policy-makers and public is so crucial in combating climate change and because of this important role of NGOs, KISS encouraged the participation of NGOs. It is the work at grassroots that can create huge impact.
She elucidated, “like the drops of water make an ocean, minutest of the contributions made by each person will bring a substantial change, if we stand united and be compatible. Don’t distinguish between small and big works, as every act counts. A person can save water and energy and can reduce emission. A campaign should be made to convince every women residing in villages to utilize healthy energy in form of solar power.”
Gracing the occasion, the Founder of KIIT & KISS Prof. Achyuta Samanta said that the devastating effects of Climate Change have been the cause of concern for the global community. For this, we should lay blame on ourselves. We are paying heavy price for unbridled exploitation of nature.
