Leh, Sept 12: The University of Ladakh is all set to host a pivotal Two-Day National Conference on ‘Ladakh Climate Change Scenario & Environmental Sustainability (LCCSES-2024)’, beginning tomorrow at its Leh campus. Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. S. K. Mehta, this event promises to be a landmark in advancing discussions on climate change and environmental sustainability in Ladakh and other high-altitude regions.
The conference is being held in collaboration with NAMO Medical College, Sylvasia, Diu, and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. With a focus on some of the most pressing environmental issues, the event will feature discussions on how global climate shifts are affecting ecosystems and communities. Participants will also explore mitigation strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, alongside resilience and adaptation plans to strengthen the region’s capacity to cope with the challenges of climate change.
A key highlight will be the examination of extreme weather events and disaster risk reduction measures. The conference aims to equip local communities and policymakers with tools to manage and mitigate the impacts of climate-induced disasters, particularly in vulnerable high-altitude regions like Ladakh. The agenda also includes an exploration of climate change impacts on the cryosphere and biosphere, as well as sustainable development strategies for mountainous areas.
Renowned experts from across the country and internationally will share their insights during the event. Among the key speakers are Dr. N. K. Aggarwal from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Prof. Talat Ahmad, Chairman of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, Dr. Jagveer Singh, Advisor at the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director of ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal.
The conference will feature participation from a broad array of institutions, including representatives from IMD New Delhi, CCS University Meerut, Manipur University Imphal, the National Human Rights Commission Gwalior, DST-BSIP Lucknow, Dhanamanjuri University Imphal, Central University of Karnataka, and SKUAST Jammu. Attendees will include scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across India, ensuring a diverse and inclusive discussion.
To enhance participation and engagement, the event will be conducted both in-person and online, allowing remote presentations from experts nationwide. This hybrid approach is intended to foster deeper collaboration and broaden the reach of the conference, ensuring that its outcomes contribute to shaping future policies on environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
The LCCSES-2024 aims to not only address the challenges posed by climate change but also to provide sustainable solutions that are particularly relevant to mountainous and high-altitude regions like Ladakh. The event is expected to be a significant step towards improving the region’s environmental resilience in the face of climate change.
