Climate change is a real phenomenon, says Ampareen

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, June 28: Information Technology Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Wednesday said that climate change is a real phenomenon where people cannot live in a denial mode.

Speaking at the iugural function of the three-day workshop on ‘Climate Change Reporting in the Himalayas’ at Shillong, Lyngdoh said, “Climate change is a real phenomenon that changes our agriculture, bid-diversity and the lives of people.”

“For a small agrarian society of Meghalaya, the impact of climate change is already felt and it will be felt more in the days to come,” stated Lyngdoh.

Emphasizing on the need of stakeholders to come together to meet the constant challenge in the future, the Minister said that no one can come out of sync if these observable facts are not taken lightly.

In her advocacy to the media to create the same sensatiolism in reporting about climate change in order to enlighten the public, the Minister also pointed out at the circumstances of the tribuls to prevent the same.

“Interventions are needed in coal, sand mining and others to counter balance,” said Lyngdoh, adding, “We need to come out from the ‘dog syndrome by concertedly and collectively face the challenge.”

State Additiol Principal Conservator of Forest (APPCF) S Ashutosh in his deliberation referred to the study related to precipitation and the rise of temperature in the state in the past three decade.

Garo Hills witnesses at average of 1.8 to 1.9 degrees Celsius of rising temperature, Ri Bhoi district with 1.7-1.8 degrees Celsius and East Khasi Hills with 1.6-1.7 degrees Celsius.

He said that Meghalaya is vulnerable to climate change due to ecological fragility, landscape, socio economic profile compounded by changing land usage and the rapidity of declining tural resources.

He further categorically pointed out the mitigation programmes of the government to combat the threat of climate change in the State.