The Youth 20 conference deliberated various ways to tackle the challenges of climate change at the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara today. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Government of India, over 600 delegates from 62 countries including representatives of G20 nations shared their experiences and best practices related to climate change and disaster-risk reduction at the consultation meet.

The day-long international conference was inaugurated by Shri Keyur Rokadia, Hon’ble MLA and Mayor of Vadodara. He informed that Gujarat is the largest producer of solar energy in the country and the city of Vadodara has the largest number of solar roof-tops in Gujarat. He exhorted the youth to lead the way in exploring action plan for the sustainable development of the planet. Ms Meeta Rajivlochan, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs recalled the glorious history of India and said it was possible due to country’s young leadership. She said, “Youth play a critical role in nation building and under the India Presidency of G20, the platform of Y20 would give an opportunity for youth to articulate and formulate ways to find the solution of climate change.”

While expressing happiness about the fact that MS University was the host of this prestigious event, the Chancellor of the University Shubhangini Raje Gaekwad emphasized the need for sustainable way of living. She said climate change is the burning issue and each and everyone should find ways to come up with solutions. Ms Archana Soreng, Member, United Nations Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, underlined the need to build community for raising awareness while simultaneously showing the mutual respect with all stakeholders.

Speaking during the plenary session, Dr. Anil Kulkarni, Visiting Scientist, Divecha Centre for Climate Change, IISc, Bengaluru said glaciers are responding to Climate Change much faster than we thought. Glaciers burst and create flash flood. Youth should visit these areas, have engineering interventions and look for solutions, he said.

Hardeep Desai, Head of Farm Operations, Cotton Connect South Asia Pvt Ltd. said that to create climate resilient farming community, there is a need to collaborate, implement, share & replicate the ideas.

During the session on ‘Research, Innovation and Start-up related to Climate Change, Dr. Shilpi Kushwaha, Scientist CSIR Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research institute said, "Research is the key to understand the complex processes and systems that contribute to climate change. We need to know what is causing earth's climate to change and what are the crucial impacts affecting our society and economy." Ms. Rajeshwari Singh, Founder Director, Caravan Classroom Foundation & RHEA OPC Pvt Ltd, pointed out the hazards of plastic. She said "When we drink water from a plastic bottle, we don't realise that 5mins of our satisfaction, we are degrading the environment for 500 more years to come. That is the problem with us as society." Shri Kautilya Pandit, Google Boy focused on the significant role of individuals in combating the climate change. He said the environmental crisis is on our hands and there is a strong need to take firm action on a war footing.

An exhibition on climate change was organised on the sidelines of the conference. It also showcased some of the startup ideas from the young minds of the MS University. A cultural performance depicting the diversity of India was presented at the conclusion of the conference.

GP/JD

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