International Conference on Climate Change begins

SAGAR CHHETRIGANGTOK, 08 Nov: The 9th international conference on’ Climate Change & Sustainability in the Mountain Areas: Scope and Challenges for Regional Cooperation and Integration’ began today at Chintan Bhawan.
The two-day conference is being organised by Sikkim University in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung [FES].
The inaugural session of the conference had the presence of Director, Centre for Inter-disciplinary Studies of Mountain & Hill Environment [CISMHE], Prof Maharaj K Pandit, accompanied by FES-India head, Dr Felix Schmidt and Sikkim University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mahendra P Lama.
In his keynote address, the CISMHE Director, Prof Pandit, gave his presentation on ‘Biological Response to Climate Change in the Himalaya’.
Speaking on climate change and its consequences, he highlighted the importance of the Himalayas and mentioned that Himalayas influence global climate and Himalayan glaciers hold the maximum water outside the polar region, etc.
Prof Pandit also stressed that the climate change issue needs less negotiators and added that individuals should be well informed. Stating that political and bureaucratic leadership take account of scientific advice he added that conspiracy of silence and denial doesn’t pay.
He also stated that besides trade talks with SAARC and with other neighbouring countries there is need to engage in joint scientific research. 
Sikkim University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Lama mentioned that the topic of the conference is an interest and concern locally, regionally and globally. He added that the university also wants to take part and engage in these serious issues to preserve and develop the rich bio-diversity of the region.
Prof Lama gave various examples of the affects and changes due to climate change across the globe. On the same, he stressed on the need to have allies with different universities and organizations in and outside the country to discuss and deliberate at the regional and international level.
FES-India head, Dr Schmidt mentioned that the FES has also been working on climate change and its related issues. He mentioned that these issues are global issues and its consequence can be seen across the world. He added that its challenges are serious and we need to address it together.
Dr Schmidt further expressed that the conference would help to establish coordination between academics, experts, civil society and decision makers and lead towards regional cooperation. He further added that the workshop will also provide orientation to decision makers to help them in addressing these challenges.
The conference aims at providing a forum for exchange of information, knowledge and data related to climate change, good practices and policy initiatives across the Himalayan region.