
Dimapur, November 21 (MExN): Researchers and environmental, development and media groups met on November 21 to discuss climate change and has decided to work together to spread awareness of this issue in the Northeast. This seminar organised by North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC) and Indian Network on Ethics and Climate Change (INECC) reflected on the impact of climate change on the Northeast.
Dr Nafisa Goga D’Souza, convener of INECC presented the overall scenario and inter-governmental negotiations that show that most decision-makers are not ready to take the steps required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure global justice. Dr Walter Fernandes, Director, NESRC spoke of the impacts of climate change on the biodiversity rich Northeast and the danger that initiatives like large dams pose to the region. Kashyap Sutradhar of the Subansiri Dam Movement spoke about the special features of Subansiri and the negative result of building dams on this biodiversity rich river. But the corporate sector divides the people and prevents any serious discussion on the project that can destroy biodiversity and contribute to climate change. Chandra Rajbangkshi spoke of the danger of building a dam on the Pagladia River that keeps changing its course.
Based on these and other inputs the participants reflected on the role of the media and of civil society in spreading the message of climate change in the Northeast where awareness of the issue is low. Arup Jyoti Das of Panos spoke of the responsibility of the media to society and its obligation to join in the campaign on the theme that has serious implications for the region. Nayan Jyothi Bhuyan of Pratidin said that ethno-politics has a serious impact on climate change. So civil society should bring these issues to the fore and take the media beyond its agenda set by the corporate sector and bring people’s issues to the fore.
Ranjan Baruah felt that climate change is of special relevance to the youth because they are the ones who will feel its impact. A. K. Goldsmith of CASA spoke of the role of religious groups in awareness building and the need for networking. Pranab Jyothi Neog spoke of the need to involve students and editors in a better understanding of the issue. Gita Bharali spoke of the paucity of knowledge of climate change in the Northeast and the need to create it. This can help persons interested in social change to come together to influence policy.
The participants decided that they will produce new material or translate existing documents including the National Plan of Action on Climate Change in Assamese and other languages of the Northeast. Some of them are already involved in experiments meant to reduce the impact and even the causes of climate change. They will continue to work together on these experiments and will try to influence policies in favour of the poor particularly women who are the worst victims of climate change.